Search Results for keywords:"natural disasters"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new rule requiring cable, wireless, wireline, and VoIP providers to report the status of their infrastructure daily during emergencies. This rule involves using the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) and replaces older voluntary reporting practices with mandatory ones, stemming from the increased frequency of natural disasters. The aim is to ensure better communication and infrastructure restoration during such events. The rule goes into effect on February 20, 2025, following approval from the Office of Management and Budget.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the funding for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), as part of the 2025 American Relief Act. This program will provide financial aid to eligible producers of specific crops affected by natural disasters in the 2024 crop year. Eligible commodities include wheat, corn, soybeans, and several other crops, and financial limits apply depending on the income of the producer from farming. Applications are open until August 15, 2025, and the necessary steps and documentation for applying have been outlined by the FSA.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador for 18 months, starting March 10, 2025, and ending September 9, 2026. This extension allows eligible Salvadorans to stay in the U.S. safely due to ongoing environmental challenges in El Salvador, such as natural disasters and a lack of clean water. Existing TPS beneficiaries must re-register between January 17, 2025, and March 18, 2025, to maintain their status and, if desired, renew their Employment Authorization Documents. DHS has recognized 232,000 Salvadoran beneficiaries eligible for re-registration under this extension.

The Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program has been established by the Farm Service Agency, under the Department of Agriculture, to assist farmers who experienced eligible crop quality losses due to natural disasters like hurricanes, droughts, and floods in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) has been updated to include excessive moisture and droughts from that same period as qualifying disasters. The final rule aligns with the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, ensuring appropriate disaster relief support is provided and clarifying sugar beet eligibility for compensation. Farmers must provide documentation by March 19, 2021, and comments on this rule are open until March 8, 2021.