MITCHELL — Federal officials have been in South Dakota for about a week and have already distributed more than $3.47 million to people affected by June flooding across the state.
FEMA disaster relief teams are working in Davison, Lincoln, Turner and Union counties to help residents who suffered damage from the storms. Their message is simple: If you are affected, call now for help.
“Don’t wait,” said Tony Mayne, FEMA’s media relations officer. “We don’t want people saying it was just a little water in my basement. It’s going to be OK. Maybe what you’ve already been through will be a bigger problem tomorrow.”
FEMA is in South Dakota after the president declared a disaster in response to severe weather in June and record-breaking rainfall across the region that flooded homes and washed away roads. According to the Sioux Falls National Weather Service, 7.9 inches of rain fell in Mitchell between Thursday, June 20, and Saturday, June 22. Several residents in Mitchell had rain gauges that read as much as 10 inches. On the first day of the storm, 4.87 inches of rain fell on Mitchell, marking a single-day rainfall record for the city.
Anyone affected by the storm can contact FEMA officials in three ways: by downloading the mobile app, by visiting disasterassistance.gov online, or by calling the Disaster Assistance Hotline at 1-800-621-3362, which is available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mayne said everyone should check to see if they are eligible for government payments as a result of the storm. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured may be eligible.
He added that FEMA representatives are also going door-to-door in affected counties to talk to homeowners. He said the officials will always wear FEMA badges.
So far (as of Wednesday) there have been a total of 160 applications for individual assistance in Davison County totaling $556,378.
“We know that South Dakotans are very self-reliant and that they are resilient people who take care of themselves,” he said. “We don’t want people to think this is a handout. This is a jump start, a way to help them complete their recovery.”
Adam Thury/Mitchell Republic
There is no upper limit on the amount of federal funds released, and a disaster relief center is scheduled to open in Mitchell next week.
Davison County Emergency Management Officer Jeff Bathke said the center will likely be located at the Davison County Fairgrounds, 3200 West Havens in Mitchell, where FEMA representatives can speak with those affected and learn about the registration process and funding eligibility.
“It is much easier to get compensation now than after the 2019 flood,” Bathke said on Wednesday. “Many people will not be compensated, but it will at least give them some relief compared to the massive damage they suffered.”
Bathke said residents can provide their bank account information for the refund when registering and that people who qualify will receive the refund within a day or two of meeting with a FEMA representative.
“I haven’t heard anyone complain about how much they get,” Bathke said.
The maximum payout from FEMA is $42,500 per housing unit. An additional $42,500 is available for “other needs,” such as rental assistance. Disbursement may take longer if you sign up for a check payout.
Bathke encouraged anyone who had water in their basement to register, even if they are not currently eligible for compensation. For example, a water heater could develop rust in the coming months. If it breaks and the owner is registered with FEMA, the reimbursement is covered.
Mayne said Union County in southeastern South Dakota is the only place where a disaster relief center has already been set up. As of Wednesday, Union County had a total of 220 applications for individual assistance and $2.188 million had been disbursed.
Lincoln County recorded 183 filings and $568,580 in funds paid as of Wednesday, and Turner had 49 filings and $157,040 in funds approved.
Luke Hagen was promoted to editor of the Mitchell Republic in 2014. He has worked for the paper since 2008 and covers sports, outdoors, education, features and breaking news. Reach him at [email protected].
