The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is taking action to help New Mexican residents impacted by recent record-breaking wildfires and floods in the region.
This action comes two months after President Joe Biden authorized federal aid for the state's wildfire victims, according to KOAT 7. New Mexicans are still signing up for that aid.
"We have 300 employees still in New Mexico," Sandra Eslinger, coordinating officer for FEMA, said. "We are continuing to see additional registrants as we go through the process."
FEMA had received 3,572 applications for disaster aid as of July 12, KOAT 7 reported.
Residents in the area might also have to deal with floods, as the recent monsoon season's high rainfall puts hundreds of homes at risk.
"We understand the folks in these impacted areas are going through a difficult time," Eslinger said. "The state is preparing a request to add flooding as a hazard."
FEMA officials said they currently make approximately 500 calls each week to notify people who might be eligible for assistance.
"If someone calls and says, 'Ok, now I've been flooded,' and they've already registered, it would open it back up to eligibility for people that may have been affected twice," Jerry Homes, an individual assistance branch director for FEMA, said.
Approximately 1,200 out of 3,500 applicants have been approved for disaster relief assistance, according to KOAT 7. Close to $4 million will be distributed to those affected by the wildfires; each household can receive a maximum of $37,900.
The amount of financial assistance that is granted to a household depends on several factors, including the extent to which the home is already insured.
The registration deadline for FEMA assistance is August 4.