Washington - USA-January 15, 2023

After weeks of flooding and heavy storms, US President Joe Biden

has approved the declaration of the states of California and Alabama as "major disaster areas", the White House announced in two press releases .

Biden ordered federal aid to be made available to support recovery efforts for the state and local communities that have been affected by severe weather since December 27, the statement said.

It is reported that this action by Biden makes federal funding available to those in counties such as Merced, Sacramento, Santa Cruz and Dallas and this assistance can go towards temporary housing grants, home repairs, loans and other programs that help individuals and businesses recover from the disaster.

Days after California was hit by the "strongest storm in almost 20 years," the state is preparing this weekend for another series of weather events with forecasts of more flooding, hail and strong winds.