Disaster Assistance Update
Nearly $12 Million in Federal/State Assistance Approved to Date
Release Date: July 28, 2003
Release Number: 1474-74
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV - State, federal and local officials and voluntary agencies continue to help West Virginians who were affected by the severe storms, flooding, and landslides that began on June 11, 2003 and continued through July 15, 2003. To date, nearly $12 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help residents meet their most basic disaster-recovery needs.
Recovery services summary at close of business Sunday, July 27:
- More than 4,367 individuals have called FEMA's toll-free teleregistration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY number 1-800-462-7585. Applications are taken by phone Monday though Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice.
- Nearly $6.3 million in FEMA awards has been approved to help disaster-affected homeowners and renters who need a place to stay or who only need to make repairs for their homes to be functional.
- Nearly $1.6 million has been approved for residents to help cover other eligible disaster needs, such as replacing some personal property, medical, dental and funeral expenses, vehicle costs and certain other expenses.
- Ninety-nine percent of the FEMA home inspections have been completed.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued 2,230 applications to homeowners and 412 applications to businesses and has approved nearly $3.8 million in low-interest, disaster loans.
- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have assisted 1,317 visitors as of July 27, 2003. Currently, centers are open in Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Monongalia and Mingo counties. A DRC for residents of Harrison County will open this week. Those affected by the disaster are encouraged to visit any center to talk face-to-face with a recovery specialist and to check the status of their applications. To find the nearest DRC, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
- People living or working in the 18 disaster-declared counties whose jobs have been affected by recent severe storms may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The deadline to file for persons in Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne was July 25, 2003. For those in Berkeley, Lincoln and Wyoming counties, the application deadline is July 31, 2003. The deadline for Nicholas and Monongalia is August 14, 2003. Residents of Doddridge, Harrison and Ritchie have until August 18, 2003 to file unemployment claims. The deadline for Preston County has yet to be determined.
Calling the FEMA toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), is the necessary first step in applying for disaster assistance.
The following is a list of West Virginia counties currently designated as federal disaster areas, along with the number of applications for disaster assistance received as of Sunday, July 27, 2003 per county.
| Disaster Counties | Total Applications Received |
|---|---|
| Berkeley | 93 |
| Boone | 231 |
| Cabell | 165 |
| Doddridge | 72 |
| Harrison | 144 |
| Kanawha | 1,096 |
| Lincoln | 160 |
| Logan | 508 |
| Mason | 126 |
| McDowell | 198 |
| Mingo | 450 |
| Monongalia | 297 |
| Nicholas | 66 |
| Preston | 33 |
| Putnam | 96 |
| Ritchie | 35 |
| Wayne | 417 |
| Wyoming | 180 |
| TOTAL | 4,367 |
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 16:37:35