FEMA has approved more than $61 million for Iowa flood and storm survivors

SIOUX CITY -- FEMA announced Wednesday it has now approved more than $61 million for Iowans who have been rocked by historic flooding, severe storms and tornadoes.

In a release, the federal agency said it has provided $56 million in individual assistance money to "help survivors with home repairs, paying for a temporary place to live and other serious needs not covered by insurance." The National Flood Insurance Program, which runs through FEMA, has paid more than $5 million in flood claims to policyholders in Iowa, according to the release.

As of now, FEMA said more than 5,000 households have been approved for assistance and the deadline to apply is Aug. 23.

Assistance is available to eligible homeowners and renters in the counties of Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union and Woodbury.