Headlines have been filled with talk of the catastrophic power of Hurricane Melissa after the Category 5 storm devastated communities across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti in October 2025. But to see this as a singular disaster misses the bigger picture: Melissa didn’t hit stable, resilient islands. It hit islands still rebuilding from the last hurricane.

Stepping up in response to October's devastating floods, Governor Polis has officially enshrined his verbal disaster declaration into an Executive Order. With western Colorado communities battered by the recent deluge, the governor's move isn't just symbolic—it comes with the power of the state's Emergency Operations Plan and a significant financial commitment. As part of the order, the Office of Emergency Management has been given a green light to take decisive action, not only in aiding those affected by the flooding but also in laying the groundwork for recovery.

Milwaukee residents still facing recovery challenges from the August flood have until Wednesday, Nov. 12, to apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration physical disaster loans. 

Here's how to aid those affected by the devastating storm in the Caribbean nation

American Red Cross deploying international responders, coordinating with Red Cross network.

Members of the Roswell Finance Committee recommended on Thursday that a resolution to create a flood recovery task force be presented to the city council for approval.

At the Tuesday, November 4 City Council meeting, DJ Jakala, Public Affairs Specialist for SBA Disaster Recovery spoke about a program available for all Pickaway County residents.

FEMA is sending $155 million in new aid to North Carolina, the agency announced Friday, in a bundle of federal money that will fund 130 projects for Hurricane Helene cleanup and other disaster recovery projects.

The City Council on Monday will consider amending its contract with Frame Group for disaster recovery consulting services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $1.45 million as the city continues recovery efforts from the Eaton Fire.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be open starting November 10 in Cape Girardeau, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Scott, Shannon, and Washington counties to assist Missourians who sustained damage to their primary residence or personal property due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred March 30 – April 8, 2025.

Washington County residents affected by the March and April severe storms can visit Potosi City Hall this week or apply online for federal assistance.

Haiti’s government said Tuesday that the death toll from Hurricane Melissa rose to 43, with 13 others still missing.

The funding will be used to make temporary repairs to infrastructure or utilities and staffing emergency operations

Tennessee emergency officials updated Gov. Bill Lee on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts during a budget meeting Tuesday.

Canton’s election carried the weight of four turbulent years — a pandemic, a devastating flood, the closure of its largest employer and Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today, announced $155 million in public assistance reimbursements for Western North Carolina.

Bipartisan legislation that would overhaul the disaster relief and recovery process and restore the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Cabinet-level status likely will move next year, its Republican sponsor said Tuesday.

North Carolina’s Republican senators still want more from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

AURORA, Ind. (WKRC) - FEMA is opening a recovery center in Aurora, Indiana on June 12. Recovery specialists will be available to help those affected by the floods earlier this year.

After torrential rain and flash flooding damaged homes and businesses in Brevard and Lake counties, Florida Realtors opened its Disaster Relief Fund to aid recovery.