One Month After the Disaster Declaration, Washington Moves Towards Recovery
Release Date: April 2, 2001
Release Number: 1361-43
» More Information on Washington Earthquake
Olympia, WA -- In the month since a federal disaster was declared on March 1 for the February 28th Nisqually Earthquake much progress has been made toward recovery.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division have responded to the needs of individuals, businesses and public entities with unprecedented speed.
"Overall disaster preparedness was instrumental in preventing injuries and saving lives," said Diane Offord, state coordinating officer for the earthquake recovery. "It also helped prevent further property damage in many cases."
"The Nisqually Earthquake is rated as the most damaging, and thereby, costly disaster in the history of all disasters in the State of Washington" stated Bill Lokey, federal coordinating officer for the Nisqually disaster. " We are working with federal, state and local agencies to help individuals, businesses and the infrastructure to ensure all essential needs are met."
Individuals and businesses with damage from the earthquake are reminded that they have until April 30 to call the toll-free registration number 1-800-462-9029 to file an application.
Following is a brief description of the Nisqually Earthquake's impact and the recovery efforts to date by FEMA, other federal agencies, the state, and voluntary agencies:
IMPACT/DAMAGES
- 20 Washington counties have been declared for Individual Assistance.
- 11 of the 20 are eligible for Public Assistance.
- All Washington counties are eligible for Hazard Mitigation.
- Initial estimates of homes damaged numbered in the thousands.
- 25 Indian Tribal governments are eligible for Individual Assistance.
- 22 Indian Tribal governments are eligible for Public Assistance.
- Damaged public buildings exceeded 1,100.
SHELTERS/MEALS/OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
- 10 shelters housed 131 people-all shelters closed as of March 8.
- Three fixed and 15 mobile meal units provided more than 30,500 meals.
- More than 1,000 volunteers and paid staff from 20 volunteer and social
agencies worked with disaster victims to provide:
- Emergency rental assistance for 24 families and homeless;
- Moving assistance for 24 elderly and disabled to safe locations;
- Emergency repairs to 10 homes;
- Emergency medical/dental assistance for 10 applicants; and
- Crisis counseling for more than 700 quake victims.
REGISTRATIONS
- More than 16,000 individuals and businesses have registered for assistance.
- More than 4,500 applicants have accessed the Helpline to follow up on applications.
DISASTER HOUSING ASSISTANCE
- More than 14,000 housing assistance applications have been received.
- More than $15.5 million in disaster housing assistance has been disbursed to nearly 8,200 applicants.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS DRCs
- Eight DRCs have been set up in six of the 20 counties.
- 3000 people have visited the DRCs for face-to-face assistance.
DAMAGE VERIFICATIONS
- Damages to nearly 13,000 homes have been verified.
- More than 50 inspectors are in the field assessing damage to homes.
- More than 400 damage inspections are being completed per day.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/INFRASTRUCTURE
- Nearly 200 Public Assistance applications have been submitted to date.
- Eligible damage to date exceeds $200 million.
- Eight teams of federal and state experts are working with applicants to coordinate project completions.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT
- 170 applications have been received as of March 30.
- Benefits paid to date total $18,000.
- Application deadlines by county are:
- April 6-Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston
- April 23-Cowlitz, Island, Jefferson, Pacific, Skagit, Skamania, Wahkiakum, Yakima
- April 25-Benton, Clallan, Clark, Whatcom
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate individuals for their entire loss. Persons covered by insurance may receive assistance from the government for areas not covered by their insurance. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of help may come in the form of loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). FEMA representatives will explain the process when persons call for assistance.
April is Earthquake Awareness month throughout the state. "We encourage everyone to learn how they can be prepared for disasters." said Bill Lokey. "We are committed to integrating protective measures to make Washington as safe as possible." building)
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Oct-2003 10:07:00