The federal government has granted nearly $2 billion in aid to six states significantly impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to an announcement from the White House on Wednesday.

This funding comes amid increasing pressure on the government to deliver relief to areas severely damaged by the hurricanes that struck in late September and early October. Officials have indicated that additional resources will be necessary to continue responding to these disasters effectively.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the government agency responsible for disaster response, has been combating the spread of misinformation since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida. Disinformation has been exacerbated by remarks from former President Donald Trump and others, particularly as the presidential election approaches.

Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 storm that initially impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast on September 26, unleashing trillions of gallons of rain and causing destruction across multiple states. Hurricane Milton followed two weeks later, further intensifying the challenges faced by these regions.

With the upcoming presidential election, hurricane response is becoming an important topic, with both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris positioning themselves as the most capable leaders for disaster recovery efforts.

The recently approved funding includes financial support for residents, such as reimbursement for housing costs when individuals are displaced, as well as immediate cash assistance of $750 to help cover essential needs like food and diapers. Additionally, funds are allocated for public assistance, which includes support for local governments to clear debris and repair critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and schools.

The White House report indicates that approximately $911 million has been designated for damages incurred from Hurricane Helene, while around $620 million has been aimed at recovery efforts linked to Hurricane Milton. Additional assistance has been made available for agricultural support. The six states benefiting from this financial relief are Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

This announcement followed a previous statement regarding the Small Business Administration (SBA), which revealed that it has exhausted its budget for disaster assistance loans aimed at small businesses, homeowners, and renters. The SBA has so far provided $48 million in loans to assist those affected by the two hurricanes.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has maintained that the agency currently has sufficient funds in its disaster relief account to respond to the impacts of Helene and Milton. However, she has also acknowledged that the agency will eventually require additional funding from Congress. In the absence of such support, FEMA may be forced to implement “immediate needs funding,” which would prioritize life-saving efforts during new disasters while halting payments for earlier disasters.