Disaster Application Deadline Approaches

Release Date: January 21, 2003 Release Number: 1446-33

» Super Typhoon Pongsona

Dededo, Guam -- Tuesday, February 18 is the last day FEMA will accept disaster assistance applications from residents and business owners in Guam, who sustained damage from Super Typhoon Pongsona.

"We want people to understand that this is merely an application deadline," said Bill Carwile, federal coordinating officer. "For people who have already applied, their cases will continue to be processed, but we will not be accepting any new applications."

Federal and local disaster recovery officials urge those who have not done so to apply as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362. Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals may call the TTY registration number at 1-800-462-7585. Those who speak Chamorro, Chuukese, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Spanish as their first language can call 633-9820. If you have already applied and still have questions you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

To date, 24,042 individuals have applied for disaster assistance. More than $73M has been approved for individuals impacted by the disaster. The U.S. Small Business Administration has also approved more than $31M in low-interest disaster loans.

The hours for the FEMA teleregistration line and Helpline (1-800-621-3362) and the language helpline (633-9820) are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Guam time.