The Biden administration has approved disaster relief funding in response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $441 million to assist individuals affected by Hurricane Helene and $349 million in public assistance to support communities.
Hurricane Milton Response
President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton. The declaration allows FEMA to provide federal funding to 34 counties and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. This funding includes assistance for individuals, households and public emergency services.
Flooding remains a risk in Milton-affected areas and power restoration efforts are ongoing. Outages have decreased from a peak of 3.3 million to 1.6 million. More than 600 FEMA personnel are on the ground, providing search and rescue, shelter support and essential supplies.
FEMA had delivered more than 1.6 million meals and 400,000 liters of water, with additional supplies ready for distribution. Shelters housed about 3,100 people, as of early Sunday.
Hurricane Helene Recovery
FEMA has approved $441 million in federal assistance for individuals affected by Hurricane Helene and $349 million in public assistance to help rebuild communities. Recovery operations continue in affected areas, with FEMA personnel working alongside state, local and tribal partners. Disaster Recovery Centers are open to provide direct assistance to survivors.
So far, FEMA has delivered 12.6 million meals and 12.9 million liters of water to affected regions. Survivors in designated areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can apply for federal assistance for housing repairs, personal property damage and other emergency needs.
To apply for FEMA assistance, individuals can call 1-800-621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA app.