Hurricane Milton: What is FEMA’s plan for aid?

(NewsNation) — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leaders say about $11 billion is available for Hurricane Milton response efforts.

So far, those efforts include urban and Coast Guard search-and-rescue teams, millions of meals and about 5,000 tons of water, among other aid.

FEMA and Milton

The FEMA relief process generally requires states to conduct individual assessments and calculations of the damages and then submit that information to federal government.

President Joe Biden said Thursday that he was focused on making sure that FEMA aid reaches those affected by Milton’s devastation. He has been deeply engaged on the issue giving both private briefings and public remarks warning of the danger of the storm.

Biden also called out misinformation about the release and availability of FEMA aid saying that “lies” have made it harder for the agency to do its job.

Several false claims have surrounding Hurricane Helene and Milton by GOP leaders including one that disaster victims will only get $750 in aid.

“There are thousands of fellow Americans who are putting their lives at stake and putting it on the line to do the dangerous work that needs to be done now, and it’s harmful to those who most need help,” Biden said Thursday.

“Quite frankly, these lies are un American. And there are simply no place for them. Not now, not ever.”

What FEMA aid goes to Hurricane Milton victims?

As of Thursday, FEMA said it has enough to help the most immediate emergency needs of people affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. FEMA can also tap into other funds that would divert resources for some longer-term projects to immediate needs.

The response includes about 1,200 federal search-and-rescue personnel, three Coast Guard swift water rescue teams, tens of billions of meals and several tons of water to help storm survivors.

More than 8,000 federal personnel, including FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams, have been deployed to neighborhoods across affected states, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Misinformation on FEMA’s $750 hurricane aid payments

False claims have swirled that residents affected by Milton and Hurricane Helene will only get $750 from FEMA, but that is only an initial payment for immediate needs, the agency said.

But that $750 amount is not a cap. It is called “Serious Needs Assistance” and is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies, the agency said.

Beyond that, those affected by the hurricanes also can apply for several other types of assistance, including money for rent while they’re displaced or money to store their belongings while they repair their homes.

Former President Donald Trump falsely said that the Biden administration was offering a lump sum $750 to people whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

“They’re offering them $750, to people whose homes have been washed away,” Trump said. “Think of it: We give foreign countries hundreds of billions of dollars and we’re handing North Carolina $750.”

FEMA battles misinformation about Milton disaster aid

The agency has been battling several false claims made by Trump and other Republican leaders including that people taking federal relief money could see their land seized and that aid is going towards the migrant crisis.

The claims have led some in the disaster-stricken areas to question why FEMA isn’t helping and that aid is being kept from them.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said during a news briefing Wednesday that the misinformation is making it harder for the agency to do their job because some people may not know that this aid is still out there.

She also said it’s demoralizing to the staff who are putting themselves in danger to save lives.

As the U.S. agency tasked with responding to disasters has been fighting misinformation since Helene slammed into Florida nearly two weeks ago.

Federal assistance for survivors of Helene, which has killed 236 people across six states, has hit more than $286 million. FEMA has also sent about half a million tarps, 210 generators, more than 16 million meals and other supplies to the affected regions.

This is not the first time that rumors have run rampant following a disaster, although experts say social media has supercharged the phenomenon. Criswell said they ran into similar problems in 2023 after a massive wildfire in Maui.

What FEMA has done

Biden spoke overnight with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan for the latest storm updates. He also spoke over the phone with mayors of Orlando and Sarasota.

The Army Corps of Engineers, health care groups and debris removal experts also traveled to affected areas to aid with recovery. Hundreds of ambulances will be made available to medical crews and 5,000 Florida National Guard members were placed on standby ahead of the storm, according to the Pentagon.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to receive updates throughout the day.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.