Biden-Harris Administration Recovery Efforts Continue Across Southeastern States Affected by Helene and Milton

WASHINGTON - Over 9,000 federal staff are on the ground under the direction of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell as they continue response and recovery to Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the Southeast.

Federal staff are supporting local and state efforts to respond to Hurricane Milton in Florida while also assisting six states affected by Helene as they begin their recoveries. As these comprehensive recovery efforts continue, more than $408 million in federal disaster assistance has gone into the hands of Helene disaster survivors.

President Joseph R. Biden has approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, GeorgiaNorth Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App in English and Spanish languages.

Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Helene and the response to Milton.

Sarasota, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton. Punta Gorda, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) - FEMA Administrator Criswell (right) with Punta Gorda Mayor Lynne Matthews (left), meeting with local officials on Hurricane Milton recovery. Sarasota, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) - FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton.KISSIMMEE, Florida -- Florida Army National Guard Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment, check in with a resident and clear debris following Hurricane Milton (Source: U.S. Army)KISSIMMEE, Florida -- Florida Army National Guard Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment, conduct a patrol following Hurricane Milton. (Source: U.S. Army)Soldiers from the Florida and South Carolina National Guard search for residents in need of assistance near Stuart after Hurricane Milton. (Source: U.S. Air National Guard)EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Florida - The Louisiana National Guard supports hurricane relief efforts in Florida. Soldiers staged at Eglin Air Force Base in preparation of Milton. This included personnel and equipment to ensure a rapid and effective response. (Source: U.S. Air National Guard) Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 9, 2024) - FEMA has begun setting up Disaster Recovery Centers in North Carolina like this one in Asheville where survivors can connect with state and federal sources of assistance following Tropical Storm Helene. Find your closest center at FEMA.gov/DRC. Valdosta, Ga. (Oct. 8, 2024) - A Hurricane Helene survivor speaks with a representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration at a Disaster Recovery Center in Valdosta. Find your closest center at FEMA.gov/DRC. Newberry, S.C. (Oct. 7, 2024) - A Tropical Storm Helene survivor speaks with a FEMA representative at the Newberry County Sheriff's Office. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams have been on the ground in affected communities to connect survivors with federal disaster assistance. DAMASCUS, VA -A Disaster Survivor Assistance team walks through an affected neighborhood to connect with Tropical Storm Helene survivors and register them for federal disaster assistance. Similar teams are in all affected states to make sure survivors, especially those without power or cellular service, can access federal resources.

FEMA's Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Rumor Response.

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