Obama declares major disaster in inundated Tennessee

U.S. President Barack Obama declared on Tuesday a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee that were struck by severe storms and flooding.

This declaration means that Tennessee will be able to ask for more federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

"Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," the declaration said.

Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments for debris removal,emergency protective measures and hazard mitigation measures.

At least 27 were dead due to the flooding in the southeastern area, 18 of them in Tennessee, authorities said.

Source:Xinhua