Disaster Update For Nine Counties Affected By Hurricane Claudette
Release Date: July 25, 2003
Release Number: 1479-07
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Claudette
Corpus Christi, TX - On July 23, Bee, Brazoria, Galveston and Goliad counties were added to the list of declared counties (Calhoun, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria) bringing the total number to nine.
- Registrations for disaster assistance number more than 5,724 and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have issued more than 3,256 home inspections.
- Approved eligible amounts for disaster housing assistance in the entire nine county area total more than $2.1 million.
- The Other Needs Assistance Program has approved more than $1.2 million in funds. This program provides grants to individuals who have disaster-related needs for which disaster loans are not available.
- Disaster Recovery Centers are open to assist those seeking help. Centers are located in Calhoun, Matagorda and Victoria counties. The hours of operation for these centers are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Additional DRCs will be open in Bee County on July 28 and 29, Goliad County on July 30 and 31 and two locations in Refugio County. The first will be in Tivoli August 1 and 2, the second will be in Refugio August 4 and 5. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all of these centers.
- Crisis counselors for anyone suffering from emotional stress are available at each DRC and contact information for regional Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation centers can also be obtained.
- A representative from SBA is available at each Disaster Recovery Center to answer questions.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for those found eligible. Those affected by Hurricane Claudette who live in Calhoun, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio and Victoria counties can call the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) at 1-800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to talk with a representative or file a claim. The application deadline is August 21, 2003. Individuals in Bee, Brazoria, Galveston and Goliad counties are also eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. The filing deadline has not been announced for those counties.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 28-Jul-2003 08:57:10