NASHVILLE, Tenn. — President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for the state of Tennessee after devastating flooding that killed 20 people in Humphreys County.
The president's approval frees up federal funding to assist in state and local recovery efforts in the impacted areas.
Federal funding is now also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Humphreys County.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses can start applying for assistance on Wednesday by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
As of Wednesday night, 20 people are confirmed dead and no others were missing. Authorities said the number of people who died was lower than what officials first reported Monday -- saying there was some confusion about people who lost their lives from the storm when they were looking at cases related to the emergency room.