Nearly $2 Million Approved For Typhoon Recovery
Release Date: July 22, 2002
Release Number: 1426-12
» More Information on Guam Typhoon Chata'an
Dededo, Guam -- In the first week since individual assistance was approved for the island of Guam, nearly $2 million in Disaster Housing has been approved. The following is a summary of disaster activity and assistance provided to victims of Typhoon Chata'an as of July 21.
- Nearly $2 million in FEMA disaster housing assistance checks have been issued to 1,003 residents affected by Typhoon Chata'an. To date 5,047 applicants have registered for federal disaster assistance. The purpose of the FEMA Disaster Housing Program is to help households be safely housed following the effects of a disaster. Forms of FEMA disaster housing assistance include lodging expenses reimbursement, emergency minimal repair assistance, temporary rental assistance and mortgage and rental assistance
- The Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) provides grants to help families cover serious needs or overcome disaster-related hardship, injury or adverse conditions not covered by other disaster assistance programs. The grant program is administered by the territory of Guam with costs shared 75% by FEMA and 25% by the territory of Guam.
- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open at the University of Guam Field House (UOG), the Yigo Gym and the Merizo Center. To date 923 people have visited the three centers to get assistance and more detailed information concerning the application process. Residents who suffered damages or losses can apply for a wide range of federally and locally administered aid programs. Telephones to call FEMA's toll-free registration line will be available at all three locations.
- Housing inspectors are verifying damage to determine eligibility for FEMA disaster housing assistance. More than 1,898 inspections have been completed by 49 inspectors.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. SBA disaster loans are the primary form of federal assistance for privately owned real and personal property. Federal disaster loans from SBA help fund repair and replacement costs that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.
- FEMA Community Relations field officers are going door-to-door throughout the island explaining FEMA programs and how to apply through the 800 toll-free number. They are also contacting hotels/resorts and businesses offering to present programs to employees about disaster assistance programs available and the applications process.
- Disaster unemployment assistance through the Department of Labor (DOL) is available to self-employed and unemployed workers who are out of work due to the disaster and are not covered by regular state unemployment insurance programs. Applicants may obtain more information about this program by calling the Guam Employment Service Center at 647-7042 or 647-7050 or can apply at any of the three Disaster Recovery Centers. Deadline for applying for unemployment benefits is August 17.
- Public assistance reimbursement funds for emergency protective measures and debris removal costs were authorized for the disaster area. Emergency protective services could include rescue operations, police and firemen, evacuations, provision of shelters and emergency care, provision of food, water, ice and other essential needs, medicine and the removal of health and safety hazards
- Approximately 64 Army Corps of Engineers are providing logistic support, power generation and recovery and disposal of debris for the island of Guam and Chuuk State.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, FEMA and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency are sponsoring a two-day collection of household hazardous wastes generated by Typhoon Chata'an. Collections will take place on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the typhoon debris transition stations in Dededo, Tiyan and Malojloj.
Individuals and business owners who suffered losses or damages during Typhoon Chata'an are encouraged to register by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing- impaired. Those who have already registered but need to update their information (new telephone numbers, for example) or who have questions about the status of their application can also call this same toll-free number. Hours of operation for both lines are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday Guam time.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 13-Aug-2003 11:28:38