WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — President Joe Biden has declared that a major disaster took place because of Helene in South Carolina, allowing people to apply for Federal assistance.
President Biden's action now makes Federal funding available to people in Aiken, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg Counties.
The President also appointed Brett Howard from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate recovery efforts in the area.
The release from the White House says that residents and business owners who suffered losses in the counties covered by the declaration can start applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-521-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.
On September 25, President Biden approved a emergency declaration for South Carolina. Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency the same day, in advance of Helene impacting the area.