Is FEMA running out of money for hurricane season? Here's what you need to know
Hurricane Helene is being blamed for hundreds of deaths across the Carolinas, Tennessee and Georgia while causing millions of dollars in damages.
And while the Biden Administration has authorized a troop deployment to affected states, is the Federal Emergency Management Agency running out of funds to help? Here's the latest on FEMA's abilities during the height of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Is FEMA running out of money?
Published reports indicate that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told pool reporters this week that as it stands, FEMA can meet all current obligations, but will most likely run out of funding before the end of hurricane season.
FEMA funding has become a political issue, as a separate report ties FEMA's funding woes to the agency spending nearly $700 million on immigration programs.
Officials have yet to release Hurricane Helene damage estimates, but Paste BN has reported that insured residential and commercial property damage has reached at least $3 billion in Florida and Georgia, according to financial services company CoreLogic.
The storm is one of the deadliest hurricanes to make landfall on the U.S. mainland, causing more than 100 deaths and has been described as North Carolina's "own Hurricane Katrina,” which devastated the southeastern U.S. with an estimated $125 billion in damage, not adjusted for inflation.
Biden Administration increases FEMA funding, cost shares to southern states
To help offset any oncoming financial constraints, President Joe Biden recently authorized $20 million in FEMA funds to go to Hurricane Helene survivors.
Also on Friday, Oct. 4, the Biden administration increased Hurricane Helene cost sharing in Florida and Georgia.
Cost sharing means the federal government will cover 100% of eligible costs for at least 90 days after Hurricane Helene's damage has been fully assessed.
How to apply for FEMA funds
There are three ways you can petition FEMA for disaster relief: call FEMA's helpline at 1-800-621-3362; apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov; or download and access FEMA's mobile app.
"Disaster survivors in declared areas can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA," read the federal advisory. "People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.
"Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay," reads the advisory.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.