Today, U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced that the President’s federal disaster declaration of May 29, 2009 has been amended to include FEMA Individual Assistance for residents of Magoffin County. The initial federal disaster declaration was in response to the devastating flash floods, tornadoes, mudslides, and severe storms across Kentucky beginning on May 3, 2009. This amended declaration will enable Magoffin County residents to apply for rental assistance, home repairs, and other emergency aid.

“This is sorely needed relief and good news for Magoffin County families,” stated Rogers. “The damages from this recent spate of storms have simply been overwhelming. Magoffin County and our whole region face significant challenges in putting communities and homes back together, but this designation will give homeowners in this community some assurance that help is on the way. I can’t stress enough how important it is for families to register for disaster assistance as soon as possible.”

With this modified declaration, 5 counties have been designated for 100% Individual Assistance. Individuals and local governments claiming a storm-related loss and seeking assistance from storm damages should contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585 for persons with speech or hearing disabilities. Additional information about this disaster and required forms to apply for assistance are available at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/. In order to apply for individual assistance, an applicant should have on hand his/her social security number, current and pre-disaster address, telephone number to be contacted, insurance information, total household annual income, bank routing and account numbers, and a description of losses that were caused by the disaster. The disaster declaration number is FEMA-1841-DR.