
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
Since President Obama’s major disaster declaration to 20 parishes in South Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says more than 128,000 households have registered for assistance — with more than $385 million already approved for those living in the Baton Rouge metro area. That includes $108 million in advanced flood insurance payments and $277 million for temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
FEMA says more than 1,700 families are being housed in hotels or motels through their program to provide short-term lodging.
The Small Business Administration is providing low interest loans to citizens and businesses to assist with uninsured and underinsured flood-related losses. So far, FEMA says the SBA has approved $56 million in disaster loans.