Disaster aid for storms in May hits $5.4 million

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Federal disaster aid approved for Arkansans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 2-12 has reached $5.4 million, state and federal disaster-recovery officials said Friday.

Following is a summary of state and federal disaster recovery information through close of business July 9.

• 1,391 individuals and households have applied for disaster assistance.

• $1.8 million in Housing Assistance has been approved for rental or temporary lodging and housing repair.

• $320,000 in Other Needs Assistance has been approved for personal property loss, medical costs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

• 913 home inspections have been completed.

• 1,029 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have been made by disaster-affected residents seeking recovery information.

• Public Assistance grants totaling $1.5 million have been obligated to date in response to Requests for Public Assistance (RPAs) from public entities (counties, cities, and private, non-profit organizations that provide essential public services).

• The SBA has approved more than $1.8 million in low-interest disaster loans to Arkansas residents and businesses. The SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations and businesses of all sizes that suffered damage from the May 2-12 storms.

• Individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of the May 2-12 severe storms and tornadoes may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). So far, six applications for DUA have been received with funding of $5,636.

Arkansans who live in Arkansas, Benton, Cleburne, Conway, Crittenden, Grant, Lonoke, Mississippi, Phillips, Pulaski, Saline and Van Buren counties who suffered damages and who have not registered yet, may call: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applicants also can register online at www.fema.gov.

The deadline to register for assistance is July 21 for the May 2-12 severe storms.