(CLO) Lawmakers in North Carolina have approved nearly $900 million in aid for Hurricane Helene disaster relief, but this is only a preliminary figure as the final bill is still being calculated.
State lawmakers unanimously approved $604 million in additional funding on October 24, on top of the $273 million previously approved.
But the catastrophic flooding and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina last month likely caused at least $53 billion in damage, state Governor Roy Cooper announced a day earlier.
If confirmed, that figure would make Hurricane Helene the 10th costliest weather disaster in the United States since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This estimate only includes damage in North Carolina, while Hurricane Helene devastated parts of several states in the southeastern United States, killing 214 people, so the final cost of repairing the damage could be higher.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation estimates that Hurricane Helene has caused $13.4 billion in insured losses in the state as of October 17.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Photo: AP
Governor Cooper said he has requested an initial $3.9 billion package to begin rebuilding efforts, especially critical infrastructure, homes, businesses, farms and schools in North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene.
“Helene was the deadliest and most destructive storm ever to hit North Carolina,” Cooper said Oct. 23 as he announced his spending request to the state General Assembly.
“These initial funds are a good start, but the sheer scale of the damage shows we are still at the forefront of the recovery effort,” he added.
The budget office said that Hurricane Helene caused 1,400 landslides and damaged more than 160 water and sewer systems, at least 9,650 km of roads, more than 1,000 bridges and sewers, and about 126,000 houses.
About 220,000 households are expected to apply for federal assistance.
Cooper's request includes $475 million for a recovery program for businesses in the hardest-hit areas, $225 million in grants to farmers for uninsured losses and $100 million for capital needs of public schools and community colleges.
He also wants $325 million to help homeowners and renters rebuild and make repairs immediately, while a larger program that relies on federal funds is rolled out.
Ngoc Anh (according to AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thiet-hai-do-bao-helene-uoc-tinh-len-toi-53-ty-usd-cuu-tro-cua-my-dang-duoc-thong-qua-post318419.html
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