Governor John Bel Edwards announced on Tuesday night that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an additional seven Louisiana parishes for Individual Assistance following Hurricane Laura, bringing the total number of parishes were residents are eligible for aid to 16. The newly approved parishes are Rapides, Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant, Jackson, and Lincoln.
"These parishes were affected when Hurricane Laura made its way up our state, keeping its hurricane-strength winds until it exited. These residents should begin applying for aid from FEMA now. More than 71,000 Louisianans have already applied for FEMA Individual Assistance following Hurricane Laura," Gov. Edwards said. "We continue to make the case for the additional parishes to be approved because of the severity of this terrible storm."
Laura made landfall on August 27, and on August 28, Gov. Edwards' request for a Major Disaster Declaration was approved. In his request, the governor requested IA, which is for people who suffered damage in the storm, for those affected in 23 parishes total. So far, FEMA has approved IA for 16 parishes.
Federal FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property loss and other programs to help people and businesses recover from Laura.
People who sustained losses in Laura in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Ouachita, Vermilion, Vernon, Rapides, Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant, Jackson and Lincoln can begin applying for assistance today by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
More than 10,000 Louisianians are sheltered in state, with thousands more in Texas hotel as well. If you need shelter, text LASHELTER to 898-211 or call 211.
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