President Joe Biden has announced a one-time relief payment of $770 for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, California. This comes as the region faces one of its worst fire seasons, leaving communities in dire need of support.
The Tragic Impact of Wildfires
The wildfire has already claimed 29 lives, with thousands of families displaced and properties destroyed. According to FEMA, around 33,000 residents have sought disaster assistance, highlighting the urgent need for relief.
Immediate Financial Assistance
Speaking on Monday, Biden assured that help would not be delayed. “We are not waiting until the fires are over to help victims. We are helping them right now,” he said. The $770 relief payment is intended to help survivors purchase basic necessities like water, baby formula, and medications.
So far, nearly 6,000 survivors have registered for assistance, and over $5.1 million has already been distributed. The federal government is also covering 100% of disaster response costs for the next six months, ensuring ongoing support.
How to Apply for Relief
Victims can apply for relief payments and other aid through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The government has committed to covering all fire-related and firefighting expenses for the next 180 days, providing much-needed relief for affected families.
Financial Toll and Recovery Efforts
In a joint briefing with Vice President Kamala Harris and emergency officials, Biden stressed the importance of Congressional support. “It’s going to cost tens of billions of dollars to restore Los Angeles. We need Congress to step up with the necessary funding,” he said.
AccuWeather estimates the financial damage from the wildfires to be between $250 billion and $275 billion. This surpasses the losses from the 2020 wildfire season and major disasters like Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the Maui fires in 2023.
Federal Commitment to Recovery
The federal government’s commitment to cover all costs for the next six months includes both immediate disaster response and long-term firefighting efforts. This substantial support aims to alleviate the financial burden on affected communities while ensuring a swift recovery process.
Biden’s announcement highlights the importance of timely assistance for disaster victims and the need for long-term recovery plans to rebuild affected areas.
(Source : tribuneonlineng.com)
