Government disaster assistance after Oklahoma storms tops $50 million

State and federal disaster assistance for Oklahoma reached $50 million this week as recovery continues following the devastating May severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reported.

That figure includes funding from Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

More than $13.3 million in disaster assistance for housing and disaster-related expenses has been approved for qualified homeowners and renters.

That includes more than $9.3 million in rental costs and house repairs, and more than $3.9 million for medical expenses, replacement clothing, vehicle repairs, funeral and burial costs, and other needs generated by the storms.

The SBA has approved more than $34.4 million in low-interest disaster loans for qualified homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma.

In addition, over $4.1 million has been approved for the cleanup of debris incurred by an EF-5 tornado on May 20. The funding comes from a pilot program that encourages accelerated debris removal in disaster-damaged communities.

As of July 29, more than one million cubic yards of disaster debris had been cleared in Oklahoma, roughly 87% of the estimated total generated by the storms, FEMA said.

Meanwhile, the agency is warning consumers in areas affected by spring floods in Illinois to be on alert for fraud.

“Recent reports indicate a woman who claimed to be a FEMA employee has approached disaster survivors—mostly senior citizens— and offered to register them for federal assistance for a fee of $150,” the agency said in its alert related to the April/May flooding in Illinois.

“The same person may also be telling survivors they must pay her so they can collect an anticipated federal disaster assistance check. Both offers are attempts to defraud,” FEMA said.

FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing affected areas to provide information about disaster assistance and give Illinois residents an opportunity to register.

Despite the door service, the agency is reminding consumers to be vigilant about protecting their personal information by asking for photo ID.