FEMA approves more than $6 million for flood assistance

ST. LOUIS — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $6 million in grants to help nearly 1,000 Missourians whose homes were damaged by the winter flood.

FEMA said Tuesday the disaster grants will help pay for home repairs, temporary rental assistance and other needs stemming from the flooding in eastern and southern Missouri that followed three days of heavy rain in December. The worst of the flooding was along the Meramec River in suburban St. Louis and the Mississippi River from the St. Louis area to the south.

Residents in 33 counties suffered damage. They can still register with FEMA by going to the website disasterassistance.gov or calling (800) 621-3362.

FEMA also has opened disaster recovery centers in Franklin and Jefferson counties, with plans to open additional centers.