Obama adds16 NJ counties among storm-led disaster area

President Barrack Obama has announced more New Jersey counties to be included in the areas affected by hurricane Irene. The declaration came ahead of his tour to the major storm-led disaster areas in the state.

Obama’s trip to the Irene hit areas of the state, which was scheduled this Sunday, is meant to visit and take charge of the relief progress. The worst-hit town of Paterson will be the centre of attention, confirmed sources.

The surge and retreat of over-flooded rivers continue to be a major trouble for the state locals. Hurricane Irene in New Jersey has taken a huge toll on several homes and businesses. State official reports also confirmed the storm to have caused seven casualties.

Disaster relief extended to 16 counties
The latest state reports from the office of Governor Chris Christie made public that the government has stretched the federal disaster relief areas to 16 counties.

The areas which will be funded by the administration include Atlantic, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Cumberland, Essex, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren, Gloucester, and Hunterdon.

The announcement paves the way for release of federal recovery funds for state and local disaster relief programs.

FEMA program to compensate storm-led losses
The storm battered the Garden State last Sunday and the state is still recovering from its aftermath. The state locals suffered house collapses and huge business losses owing to collapse of buildings in large numbers.

Obama administration has set up Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for proper supervision and allocation of funds to the disaster hit areas.

Specific loans for agriculture, aquaculture, ranchmen, small businesses, agrarian co-op, and non-profit have been included in the FEMA program.

Special emphasis has been give to non-insured losses. The program also promises compensation for storm-led unemployment.