Biden approves disaster declaration after deadly storms hit Kentucky

President Biden approved a disaster declaration for Kentucky on Sunday, making federal funds available to areas that were affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that tore through the state late last week.

Biden’s declaration clears the way for federal funding to be made available to people in Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor and Warren counties. These funds can be administered through grants for temporary housing, home repairs and property loss.

The declaration came shortly after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) formally requested that the federal government declare a “major disaster.”  According to Beshear, more than 100 people are likely dead due to the storms and over a thousand homes may have been destroyed.

As more damage assessments are made, additional forms of federal assistance may be approved.

Residents may apply for assistance by registering at disasterassistance.gov. They can also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired individuals.

Biden on Saturday said he planned to visit Kentucky soon to survey the damage caused by the tornadoes.

“I want folks in all these states to know we’re going to get through this. We’re going to get through this together and the federal government is not going to walk away,” Biden said during a press conference. “This is one of those times when we aren’t Democrats or Republicans. Sounds like hyperbole, but it’s real. We’re all Americans.”