FEMA Extends Disaster Assistance Deadline For Alabama Residents Affected by April Tornados, Flooding
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for Alabama residents to register for assistance if they were affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit the state in late April. Applications for assistance from both agencies are now due July 15, pushed back from the original July 1 deadline. The U.S. Small Business Administration has also moved its disaster loan deadline to July 15.
With over 40,000 Alabamians affected, the agencies combined have already approved over $35 million for residents affected by the storms.
“The tornadoes caused widespread damage in nine counties scattered around the state from the very southern tip around Mobile up to the state line,” says Greg Hughes, a Public Information Officer with FEMA.
Hughes says nine counties were directly affected by the storms: Baldwin, Blount, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile and Tuscaloosa. FEMA says any resident in those counties can apply for disaster assistance.
“Qualification just simply means that a family and their home sustained damage.” Hughes says. “Whether they had insurance or not we encourage them to apply anyway.” Of those nine counties, only five will be eligible for federal and state infrastructure assistance. Those counties are Jefferson, Lee, Limestone, Mobile, and Baldwin.
Two months after the disaster, FEMA says it’s made significant progress. FEMA’s website says staff have inspected more than 98 percent of damaged homes and properties in the area, and have approved more than $17 million in Housing Assistance Grants. Those grants help with rental expenses, home repair costs, and other disaster-related needs, such as medical expenses and lost personal possessions.
The U.S. Small Business Administration also has a program that gives loans to non-business-owners in declared disaster areas. Since Alabama was declared a disaster area at the beginning of May, the SBA has awarded $10 million in low-interest loans to eligible homeowners, renters, or businesses.
“Our program is designed for people who are underinsured or have no insurance,” says John Oliver Fredrick, SBA Public Affairs Specialist. “FEMA will get you safe, sanitary, and secure. They are not going to rebuild your house, but we will try to get you back into the state you were pre-disaster.”
The SBA offers loans of up to $200,000 to repair damaged real estate and other destroyed property including cars and rental properties. The SBA tacks on a low interest rate to help pay the loan back over time.
FEMA and SBA recommend impacted homeowners apply for both FEMA disaster grants and SBA disaster loans. Each agency can help in different ways. Fredrick says that if SBA cannot help you, staff will send you to FEMA for assistance.
Tony Awards 2025: The complete list of winners
NPR is updating this list of Tony Award winners as they are announced.
Pope Leo criticizes political nationalism and prays for reconciliation and dialogue
The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square in front of tens of thousands faithful, and asked the Holy Spirit to "break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred."
Palestinians say at least five people killed by Israeli gunfire near Gaza aid centers
Palestinian health officials and witnesses say at least five people were killed and others were wounded by Israeli fire as they headed to two aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip.
Troops arrive in LA as Trump sends National Guard to curb immigration raid protests
In Paramount, Calif., confrontations between immigration enforcement agents and protestors last week led to arrests and the use of flash-bang explosives and pepper spray by law enforcement.
India (and its kids) are out to conquer the world of chess
Chess is seeing a global resurgence, sparked by The Queen's Gambit and the pandemic impact on leisure time. India is an emerging power player, with 85 grandmasters and intense chess schools for youth.
Colombian Presidential hopeful shot at Bogotá rally
A Colombian Presidential hopeful in critical condition after being shot during a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday. The assassination attempt is having a chilling effect in Colombia where security has been backsliding recently.
