BIRMINGHAM (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency says fewer than one in five Alabamians who applied for federal disaster aid after the April 27 tornadoes have been approved for a grant so far.
FEMA released the figures on Wednesday. It says it has issued grants to nearly half of the applicants in Joplin, Mo., which was devastated by a tornado on May 22. That’s compared with 18 percent in Alabama.
In Mississippi, which was hit with the same storm as Alabama three months ago, FEMA has approved one-quarter of its grant requests.
Emergency management officials say each disaster is different, with variables such as extent of insurance coverage and demographics influencing the numbers.
Registration to apply for FEMA grants and Small Business Administration disaster loans from the Alabama storms ended Monday.
Tornado Outbreak 2011
FEMA: 18 percent of tornado grants approved
- Tornado Outbreak 2011
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Objects still being found a year after tornadoes
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'We lost everything:' With help, Harbins to get new home
The violent storm cut through the family’s property, taking everything from Bobby Harbin, his wife Barbara and their son Bobby Jr., and leaving the home in Treemont Subdivision a pile of rubble.
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Emergency officials urge 2012 readiness
- Green group: Tornado cleanup a bright spot for state
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Top Stories of 2011: Strange twists of April 27
Travel of debris in tornadoes is common but it is more unusual for items to be found long distances from the storm.
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Top Local News Stories of 2011: Tornadoes, immigration, snow
The tornado outbreak of April 27 was the biggest news even not only in Limestone County but also in Alabama.
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NWS: Tornado paths for 1974, 2011 match
Unlike the old wives’ tale about lightning, it seems tornadoes have no compunction about revisiting old haunts.
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Thankful to be alive: 'We will have bad memories the rest of our lives'
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Storms stir memories of April 27
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Six months later: 'God Saved 6' dad recounts afternoon of April 27 twister
- More Tornado Outbreak 2011 Headlines
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