Individual Assistance Approved For Rota
Release Date: December 27, 2002
Release Number: 1447-02
» More Information on Northern Mariana Islands Super Typhoon Pongsona
Dededo, Guam -- The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that disaster assistance has been expanded for Rota. In addition to assistance for infrastructure restoration already announced on Dec. 11, help is now available to eligible individuals, households or business owners who have suffered damage or losses caused by Super Typhoon Pongsona. This can help get people started back on the road to recovery.
FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh said Federal Assistance for Individual Assistance Programs has been added to the disaster declaration issued by the president, based upon continued damage assessments gathered by federal and CNMI recovery officials.
Under the expanded disaster declaration, Allbaugh said stricken residents and business owners are eligible to apply for federal/territory aid that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also will be available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 28, affected residents and business owners may apply by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number at 800-621-3362 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CNMI time. People with speech- or hearing- impairments may call TTY 800-462-7585.
In order to take advantage of FEMA disaster assistance programs, disaster victims must first call the toll free "800" number listed above. FEMA operators at the other end will ask for basic information: name, street address or specific directions to the affected home or business, a telephone contact number, and social security number (if available). Also, people seeking assistance should be prepared to give a brief, preliminary description of the damage or losses suffered.
Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Jan-2003 13:17:15