Federal Disaster Declaration Approved for North Louisiana

FEMA to provide aid for recovery efforts following Winter Storm Fern

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

President Donald J. Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for Louisiana to support recovery efforts in several parishes affected by Winter Storm Fern. The declaration will provide federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Why it matters

This federal disaster declaration will unlock critical funding and resources to help communities in northern Louisiana recover from the damage caused by the recent winter storm. The declaration is an important step in the state's recovery process.

The details

The disaster declaration covers Bienville, DeSoto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll Parishes. The federal aid will supplement the debris removal and emergency protective measures categories A and B, which may include shelters, emergency supplies, and search-and-rescue expenses. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by further assessments.

  • The disaster declaration was approved by President Donald J. Trump on February 19, 2026.

The players

President Donald J. Trump

The President of the United States who approved the federal disaster declaration for Louisiana.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which announced the federal disaster aid available for Louisiana.

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What’s next

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and is warranted by the results of further assessments.

The takeaway

This federal disaster declaration will provide critical funding and resources to help communities in northern Louisiana recover from the damage caused by Winter Storm Fern, an important step in the state's recovery process.