Helene Recovery Hits $210M as Milton Takes Aim at Florida

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With Hurricane Milton gaining strength and targeting Florida's Gulf Coast, FEMA prepares for a dual response while continuing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Milton Strengthens as FEMA Coordinates Response Across Multiple States

WASHINGTON – As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, FEMA is balancing the preparation for a major storm while continuing its extensive recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene, which has already triggered over $210 million in federal aid. The Biden-Harris Administration has reiterated its commitment to supporting communities in recovery from Helene while preparing for Milton's potential devastation.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has been at the helm of both operations. She is currently overseeing recovery efforts from Helene across several southeastern states and is scheduled to meet with Florida officials today to direct federal response measures ahead of Milton's anticipated landfall on Wednesday evening. Criswell emphasized the agency's readiness to manage multiple disasters, stating, “Our resources are fully mobilized to ensure no community is left behind, whether from Helene or Milton.”

Hurricane Helene's Aftermath: Federal Aid Tops $210 Million

FEMA’s response to Hurricane Helene continues to expand, with the agency approving more than $210 million in assistance to survivors across six states. North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit regions, has received over $32 million in aid, while Florida and South Carolina have seen $87 million and $57 million allocated, respectively. Federal aid has reached thousands of households, with teams on the ground in multiple counties providing essential items, temporary shelter, and assistance for long-term housing recovery.

To date, FEMA has distributed more than 15.6 million meals, 13.9 million liters of water, and 505,000 tarps to support recovery efforts. Federal and local teams continue to assess damage and distribute resources in areas severely impacted by Helene, such as Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Nearly 7,000 personnel from FEMA and other agencies are still deployed in the region.

President Biden has also authorized additional active-duty troops and disaster specialists to bolster recovery efforts, particularly in North Carolina, where 1,500 troops have been stationed to assist with power restoration and infrastructure recovery.

Preparing for Hurricane Milton: Resources Mobilized, Evacuations Urged

As Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida, FEMA is not only pre-positioning essential resources but also urging residents to evacuate from high-risk areas. FEMA has mobilized six Urban Search and Rescue teams, 300 ambulances, and 30 high-water rescue vehicles to support local authorities in the response. More than 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water have been staged to ensure communities in Milton’s path have access to emergency supplies.

FEMA officials have stressed the importance of taking evacuation orders seriously. "Time is running out for people in the storm's path," Criswell stated, urging those in evacuation zones to act immediately. The National Hurricane Center has warned of life-threatening storm surges and significant rainfall that could trigger severe flooding in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Residents can apply for federal assistance through FEMA's helpline or online, and those in evacuation zones are encouraged to visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know for real-time updates and information.

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