Countywide : Deadline Is May 11 on Seeking Storm Aid

Orange County residents whose property was damaged during March’s rainstorms have until May 11 to apply for assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Pasadena.

Victims of the January and March storms in Orange County already have received $3.2 million from the federal government, with more than 1,600 households qualifying for disaster housing assistance, said Mary Donev, a public information officer for the federal agency.

In all, residents from 57 counties across the state have received disaster funds, Donev said, and most of that money was available within seven to 10 days.

“But if you just applied last week, you’re not going to get a check yet,” said Donev, adding that the deadline for January rains has already ended.

Los Angeles received the most in disaster aid, about $31.1 million, Donev said. Sacramento County was second with $4.5 million, Sonoma County third with $3.3 million and Orange County fourth with $3,221,551.

More than $65 million was dispersed statewide to victims of both months’ storms.

“This was not based on income level,” she said. “This was strictly based on need.”

The figures were made available on April 11, three months from the date of the January rainstorms, which saw creeks in Orange County overflow, freeways stopped up and several cities across the county severely flooded.

Victims of the March rains may still call FEMA at (800) 462-9029.