Iowa disaster: Aid approved for those affected by floods, tornadoes, etc. | How to apply for assistance

A disaster declaration has been made in Iowa, as the state has been battered by severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding. The declaration covers damages that resulted from storms beginning on 16 June 2024.

Not all counties are covered by the declaration, as not all have been impacted by the storms. So far, the residents in Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux counties are eligible for federal assistance for grants to pay for “temporary housing and home repairs” or “low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”

What if you live or work outside of these countries?

The declaration made today also allows governments and non-profits to request federal assistance. “Federal funding is also available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, and Sioux counties,” reads the press release put out by FEMA on the disaster declaration.

At the state-wide level, federal funds can be requested “on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.”

How to apply for assistance?

To receive assistance, you must register with FEMA. You can do this three ways: online through FEMA’s website, using the FEMA App, or by calling 1-800-621-3362. After registering, more information on the process will be made available.