US disaster survivors still await at least $10bn in federal aid: ‘It’s devastating’

Survivors of extreme weather disasters across the US are experiencing significant delays in receiving federal government assistance, with an estimated $10 billion in long-term disaster recovery funding urgently needed. The last allocation of long-term federal recovery funds was for Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida in late 2024, highlighting a two-year gap in new aid. Affected communities in Los Angeles County and St. Louis, Missouri, are particularly struggling. For instance, Demetrice Davis in north St. Louis still faces damage from an EF3 tornado in May 2025, finding insurance insufficient and FEMA aid inadequate for full recovery. This situation indicates a systemic failure of government agencies to provide timely and comprehensive support, leaving disaster survivors in devastating limbo.