Flooding Victims Eligible for Assistance

Victims of last month’s flash floods will be eligible for federal financial assistance, officials announced Wednesday.

Recognizing that the mudslides and flooding were directly related to October’s wildfires, federal officials have extended the period of eligibility to Feb. 2. Prior to the extension, fire-related losses had to have occurred prior to Dec. 2.

“We have changed eligibility criteria to include flooding, mud flow and debris directly related to the fire,” said James Shebl, a public information officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The state and affected counties have been able to make a case that because of the wildfires, the Christmas mudflows were beyond normal.”

Fourteen holiday revelers at the St. Sophia Camp and Retreat Center died on Christmas Day when a flash flood roared down Waterman Canyon in San Bernardino County. Two others were killed at a KOA campground in Devore. One of the St. Sophia Camp visitors remains missing. Scores of homes have been damaged by flash floods.

FEMA has received nearly 40,000 applications for aid from residents living in the five counties affected by the fires. Officials said the fires destroyed more than 3,000 homes and caused more than $2 billion in damage.

Of those applications, 12,094 came from San Bernardino County, 692 from Riverside County, 18,331 from Los Angeles County, 7,705 from San Diego County and 326 from residents in Ventura County, Shebl said.

FEMA provides grants for costs related to property damage or loss, medical or dental expenses, moving, storage, transportation and even funeral costs.

Applicants can register for aid by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.