"FEMA's Maui relief payments surpass $5.6 million and continue to rise"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $5.6 million in assistance to nearly 2,000 households in Maui affected by the devastating wildfires. The agency is providing one-time payments of $700 per household for immediate needs, as well as rental assistance and hotel accommodations. The total amount is expected to increase significantly as thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed. FEMA will open a disaster recovery center in Maui to expedite aid distribution. Survivors must register with FEMA to be eligible for assistance, including home repair and personal property reimbursements. The Small Business Administration is also offering low-interest federal disaster loans to affected businesses and non-profits.