INDIANA — President Donald Trump has approved Indiana’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking federal assistance for residents and communities recovering from the devastating severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that began Aug. 11.
Governor Mike Braun announced the approval Tuesday, Aug. 25, saying the federal declaration will provide critical assistance as communities continue a lengthy recovery.
“I am pleased to share that my request for a major disaster declaration has been approved for multiple counties. Thank you, President Trump,” Braun said. “This critical support will help Hoosiers recovering from historic storms and flooding. We’re grateful for this partnership as we work to rebuild, recover, and help communities get back on their feet.”
According to a FEMA disaster declaration fact sheet dated Aug. 25, the declaration is FEMA-4933-DR and covers severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding beginning Aug. 11 and continuing.
Lake, Porter and LaPorte Residents Eligible for Individual Assistance
Of particular importance to Northwest Indiana, Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties are among the counties designated for Individual Assistance, which provides federal assistance directly to eligible individuals and households affected by the disaster.
The full list of counties approved for Individual Assistance includes Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union and Wayne counties.
Individual Assistance can include programs designed to help eligible residents with disaster-related needs and expenses that are not covered by insurance or other available assistance.
Public Assistance Also Approved
Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties were also approved for FEMA Public Assistance, along with Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Madison, Tipton and Wayne counties.
Public Assistance is aimed primarily at helping state and local governments and certain eligible organizations with emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the disaster.
Hazard Mitigation assistance remains under review, according to FEMA, and additional counties or forms of assistance could be designated later following further damage assessments and requests from the state.
The Major Disaster Declaration represents a significant expansion from the Emergency Declaration approved Aug. 15, which authorized FEMA to coordinate federal disaster relief efforts and provide direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures. That earlier declaration provided federal funding at a 75% share for eligible emergency protective measures.
The Aug. 11 storms caused catastrophic damage across portions of Northwest Indiana, including tornadoes and widespread destructive straight-line winds. Hundreds of thousands of utility customers lost power, trees and utility infrastructure were destroyed, homes and businesses were damaged, and some communities faced extended outages and other disruptions lasting well beyond the initial storm.
Darrin C. Ricketts has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer overseeing federal recovery operations for the disaster.
The approval means the recovery is now moving into a new phase, with federal disaster programs available to assist qualifying residents and communities.
Region News Source will provide additional information on how Lake, Porter and LaPorte County residents can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance as application details become available.
