COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Seven Ohio counties affected by severe weather in August have been approved for federal disaster assistance.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that President Donald Trump approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties.
The declaration activates FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, which provides grants for temporary housing and home repairs, rental assistance, replacement of personal property, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster legal services. Low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration are also available.
The governor requested federal assistance for 23 counties on Sept. 2. The other 16 counties remain under review, along with a request for statewide hazard mitigation assistance. Between Aug. 10 and Aug. 23, multiple rounds of heavy rain and severe storms caused flash flooding and 17 confirmed tornadoes. Preliminary assessments found at least 50 homes and businesses were destroyed, 806 had major damage and 475 had minor damage. Residents in the approved counties can apply for assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or through the FEMA app.
