Flooding disaster assistance may be coming to New Mexicans through FEMA
"We understand the folks in these impacted areas are going through a difficult time. The state is preparing a request to add flooding as a hazard," Eslinger said.
"We understand the folks in these impacted areas are going through a difficult time. The state is preparing a request to add flooding as a hazard," Eslinger said.
"We understand the folks in these impacted areas are going through a difficult time. The state is preparing a request to add flooding as a hazard," Eslinger said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still working to provide disaster relief for New Mexicans affected by historic wildfire, and they could be adding to how they can help. As of right now, wildfire damage is the only thing that qualifies for that FEMA help, but as monsoon season brings flooding to burn scars, they're prepared to add flooding to the federal disaster declaration.
It's been two months since President Joe Biden approved federal assistance for wildfire victims in our state, and New Mexicans are still registering for that help.
Sandra Eslinger is the coordinating officer for FEMA. Eslinger said, "We have 300 employees still in New Mexico. We are continuing to see additional registrants as we go through the process."
As of Tuesday, FEMA has seen 3,572 total disaster relief registrants. Now, monsoon season is pouring rain onto burn scars and putting hundreds of homes in danger of flooding.
"We understand the folks in these impacted areas are going through a difficult time. The state is preparing a request to add flooding as a hazard," Eslinger said.
Jerry Holmes is an individual assistance branch director for FEMA.
Holmes said, "If someone calls and says, OK, now I've been flooded, and they've already registered. it would open it back up to eligibility for people that may have been affected twice."
FEMA says they're making at least 500 calls weekly to let people know about the help they could be eligible for. Out of the 3,500 applicants, around 1200 have been approved. Around $3.9 million are going to those wildfire victims. The deadline to register for that assistance is Aug. 4.
FEMA has also gotten questions about those who may not have documentation or insurance. The maximum a household can receive is $37,900, and FEMA says it's all dependent on circumstances and what is already covered by insurance.
"Part of the process is looking at whether or not they're eligible to receive the documentation. We don't turn information into anyone else," Eslinger said.
Eslinger says no one will be removed from the country for attempting to register for FEMA assistance without documentation.