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Federal Assistance for Alabama’s Zeta Recovery Tops $31 Million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. More than $31 million was approved in federal grants, disaster loans and flood insurance claims since Hurricane Zeta took aim at Alabama Oct. 28-29, resulting in flooding, widespread power outages and scattered debris as it tracked southwest to northeast.

Families and households that suffered losses or damage in Clarke, Dallas, Marengo, Mobile, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties had until Feb. 8 to apply for disaster assistance.

As of Feb. 10, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program approved more than $22 million to repair disaster-damaged homes and pay for temporary housing. That includes $8 million approved under Other Needs Assistance, a FEMA program that provides funding for serious disaster-related needs including medical and dental, transportation, and moving and storage expenses.

The National Flood Insurance Program paid more than $3.5 million in Hurricane Zeta flood claims to 241 policyholders. And the U.S. Small Business Administration approved $5.7 million in long-term, low-interest disaster loans for 250 homeowners, renters and small businesses to cover damage and loss of essential personal property.

“Every disaster is devastating, and Alabama saw two hurricane disasters over a six-week span while people are trying to adjust to a new normal during a national health crisis,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Allan Jarvis, who is leading FEMA’s recovery efforts. “FEMA is committed to the people of Alabama and helping the recovery efforts on all fronts.

Zeta made landfall Oct. 28 as a strong Category 2 hurricane, with sustained winds at 110 mph, only weeks after Hurricane Sally came ashore. Sally’s destruction was aimed at Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties along the Gulf Coast.

The major disaster declaration for Zeta was approved Dec. 10.

Here is a snapshot of Hurricane Zeta recovery efforts as of Feb. 10:

  • 21,393 registration calls for disaster assistance made to FEMA;
  • 7,466 households approved for more than $22 million in FEMA grants for homeowners and renters, including:
    • 4,828 households approved for more than $13.9 million in housing grants, including short-term rental assistance and home repair costs;
    • 5,235 households approved for more than $8 million for essential disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses and lost personal possessions;
  • 3,874 homeowners and renters receiving FEMA rental assistance;
  • 13,496 virtual home inspections completed;
  • 642,650 cubic yards of debris collected.

For those who have applied to FEMA for Zeta assistance, continue to keep in touch with FEMA specialists to keep your application moving forward and if your contact information changes. Here’s how:

For a list of health and human service agencies available in your community, dial 211, text 888-421-1266, or chat via www.211connectsalabama.org.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit ema.alabama.gov, AlabamaEMA Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4573 and www.facebook.com/fema

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