Disaster aid released reaches $11.29M

A total of $11.29 million in grants and low-interest disaster loans has been approved for disaster assistance in the CNMI since President Bush declared the territory a disaster site on Aug. 26, according to figures released yesterday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the CNMI Emergency Operations Center.

At the same time, since its operations began last Sept. 18, the Emergency Food Assistance Centers have distributed nearly $1 million in aid to victims of Supertyphoon Chaba.

As of Saturday, Sept. 25, more than $6.9 million in Disaster Housing Assistance grants and $3.2 million in Other Needs Assistance grants have been approved and disbursed through 5,381 assistance checks issued, the agencies said.

To date, 4,530 individuals and small business owners from the islands of Saipan, Rota and Tinian who suffered damage or loss due to Supertyphoon Chaba have called the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply. The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 7am to 8pm daily, until further notice.

“We’re committed to providing disaster assistance as quickly as possible and this assistance is an important step in the recovery process,” said FEMA federal coordinating officer Mike Karl. “We will continue to work with our Commonwealth and volunteer partners to help meet the needs of those who were affected by the typhoon.”

The following is an update of recovery activities as of close of business Saturday, Sept. 25:

* 4,530 individuals from the declared islands had called to apply for assistance;

* 5,367 people had visited the Disaster Recovery Centers on Saipan, Tinian and Rota;

* 4,037 Disaster Housing Assistance grants were approved, totaling $6,965,143;

* 3,189 Other Needs Assistance grants were approved, totaling $3,222,925 (may include grants for medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other eligible expenses);

* 43 U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan applications were issued: 41 to homeowners, 2 to business owners; and

* $1,104,500 in SBA low-interest disaster loans were approved.

Disaster housing assistance comes in the form of grants for temporary housing needs and for homeowners to make essential repairs. This assistance serves as an interim solution to people’s housing needs until long-term solutions are addressed, typically through insurance or loans.

Other Needs Assistance provides for uninsured or under-insured disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, which may include grants for medical, dental, personal property, transportation and other expenses that FEMA approves.