South Dakota Disaster Update
Release Date: July 19, 1999
Release Number: 1280-14
» More Information on South Dakota Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Disaster assistance, totaling more than $888,079, continues to flow to disaster victims of the June 4-5 tornadoes. The assistance is in the form of disaster housing and SBA loans. Recovery efforts continue to be coordinated at the joint federal/state Disaster Field Office in Rapid City.
Disaster Assistance Summary:
- Groundbreaking for a 200-unit manufactured homes park in Oglala was held on July 14. The park, currently under construction, will provide housing for residents displaced by the June 4-5 tornadoes. Initially, the park will house up to75 units, with additional homes accommodated if needed.
- July 22 is the deadline for filing an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. DUA is available to individuals out of work as a result of the disaster, and not covered by regular unemployment. An application can be made by contacting the Pine Ridge Job Service Office at 605-867-5843.
- A total of 1,044 people have registered for assistance through FEMA's toll-free registration line.
- $280,248 has been approved for immediate home repair assistance and $42,546 has been approved for rental assistance as of July 15. FEMA's Disaster Housing Assistance provides funding for essential repairs required to make the residence habitable and for temporary housing accommodations.
- A Crisis Counseling grant, approved by FEMA, provides counseling and other support services to individuals affected by the early June severe storms and tornadoes. The federal grant reinforces existing disaster crisis counseling and outreach services being provided by the Division of Mental Health.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $371,400 in low interest loans.
- The First National Bank of Gordon, NE is still accepting donations to the Oglala Victims Fund. The fund is intended to assist the tribe in responding to their most critical, immediate needs. Additional information is available by calling the bank at 308-282-0050.
- FEMA inspectors have completed 894 inspections of storm-damaged properties. Four housing inspectors are still in the affected areas assessing damage.
- A total of 772 individuals have taken advantage of the services provided by the Disaster Recovery Center in Pine Ridge. Representatives are available to assist applicants with questions about their applications and provide information on available assistance programs.
- Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Thirty-two travel trailers are currently providing temporary housing for families displaced by the disaster. These trailers serve as an interim housing measure until permanent housing becomes available. A total of 40 have arrived to date.
- A total of 25 mobile homes have arrived on the Pine Ridge Reservation. These units are suitable for extended residency and are being made available to applicants whose homes were severely damaged or completely destroyed by the tornadoes. Installation of utilities, including sewer and water, must be completed prior to occupancy.
- The latest weekly issue of the Disaster Recovery Newsletter will include articles on manufactured homes and mobile home park groundbreaking.
- The Salvation Army continues to maintain office space in the Disaster Recovery Center. Those in need of assistance may contact them at the following number: Salvation Army 605-867-2950 Ext. 5209
- The American Red Cross consolidated their services and is currently located in the Oglala Recreation Center. They can be reached by calling: American Red Cross 605-867-2926
- Shuttle service is still available to transport Pine Ridge Reservation residents to the Disaster Recovery Center. The shuttle serves sites on the reservation, including all CAP (Community Action Program) locations. The shuttle starts its pickup at 10 a.m., with the last trip to the Disaster Recovery Center leaving at 5 p.m.
- $280,248 has been approved for immediate home repair assistance
- $42,546 has been approved for rental assistance
- The U. S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $371,400 in low interest loans
- A $193,885 Crisis Counseling Grant has been received by the South Dakota Department of Human Services
- 1,044 people have registered for disaster assistance
- A total of 772 individuals have visited the Disaster Recovery Center
- FEMA inspectors have completed inspection of 894 storm-damaged properties
- The deadline for filing an application for DUA is July 22
- The American Red Cross served more than 35,000 meals
- Nearly 1,600 residents were provided with canteen service by the Salvation Army
- 32 travel trailers are being used for temporary housing
- Mobile homes are arriving daily on the Pine Ridge Reservation
Anyone suffering losses or damage as a result of the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding that occurred between June 4-18, are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the speech and hearing impaired. The toll free registration lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
After registering for disaster assistance, applicants can call the FEMA Disaster Information Helpline to check the status of their applications or get additional information. The toll-free Helpline number is 1-800-525-0321 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for persons with hearing or speech impairments. Normal work hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2003 16:58:20