Federal disaster aid cleared for Calif. quake damage

President Obama declared a federal disaster in California on Thursday, clearing the way for federal aid to areas damaged by the 6.0 earthquake that struck the Napa region last month.

The White House said the president's order means federal funds will be available to state, tribal and local recovery efforts as well as to some private non-profit organizations for emergency work and repair in Napa and Solano counties in Northern California.

The order also makes available federal aid on a cost-sharing basis for earthquake mitigation measures across the state. No dollar amounts were specified in the White House announcement.

Stephen De Blasio Sr. was named by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

According to the emergency agency, damage surveys are continuing in other areas and more counties and additional assistance may be designated after assessments are complete.

California Gov. Jerry Brown requested that the president declare a disaster following the Aug. 24 quake. At least one person died as a result of injuries sustained in the earthquake, more than 280 others were injured and at least 1,000 buildings were damaged, many of them historic. Many area wineries were also damaged.

The state has estimated that fewer than 5% of damaged properties were covered by earthquake insurance. Damage in the city of Napa alone was estimated at $300 million.

"The incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments, and supplemental federal assistance is necessary," Brown wrote in his request to the president.