Federal Hurricane Helene disaster declaration expands to 41 Georgia counties
Biden to take aerial tour over North Carolina
President Joe Biden is expected to take an aerial tour over the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. He also called out former President Donald Trump for "lying" to the "people that are in need" by stating that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp couldn't get in touch with the president for relief.
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for 11 Georgia counties as the state deals with the damage from Hurricane Helene.
At the storm’s peak, 1.3 million people were without power across Georgia. More than 460,000 remain without power on Tuesday morning. Recovery will be a long process, especially in hard-hit areas like Augusta and eastern Georgia. Residents are continuing to experience challenges, such as long lines at gas stations as power restoration efforts progress.
On Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that the state had submitted a request to designate the situation a major disaster, a request he said was "very rare." The entire Georgia declaration followed with a letter requesting Biden give his approval as soon as he could do so.
MORE: Augusta community in shambles after Hurricane Helene
In a statement, the Biden Administration says the president approved the request on Monday, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.
The action by the president made federal funding viable for affected residents of Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall, and Toombs counties. On Tuesday, FEMA expanded the declaration to include Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Clinch, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lincoln, McDuffie, Montgomery, Screven, Telfair, Treutlen, Ware, Washington, and Wheeler counties.
The assistance can include low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, grants for home repairs and temporary housing, and other programs to help with recovery. The approval also allows for a one-time $750 payment to help with essential items like food, water, and baby formula.
MORE: North Georgia rises in solidarity, mobilizes relief efforts for NC storm survivors
Federal funding is also available to state and eligible governments and some nonprofit organizations for emergency work in the counties.
Residents and businesses can begin applying for assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, on the FEMA app, or with a disaster recovery centers.
Biden has also approved disaster declarations for North and South Carolina and Florida.
RELATED: Join the effort: How you can help Hurricane Helene's devastated communities