KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Thousands of people have had their applications for help processed in Upper East Tennessee after Hurricane Helene brought historic and deadly flooding to the region.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has processed 9,533 disaster applications from the Tennessee counties most impacted by the storm -- Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties.

FEMA also said over the last week, it has seen an increase of more than 2,000 applications for assistance.

Homeowners and renters who saw damage or losses, and who were uninsured, can apply for individual assistance through FEMA. Assistance can include financial assistance and direct services to people and households impacted by the storm.

It can include funds for temporary housing for people who are unable to live in their homes, funds to support the repair of owner-occupied homes and hazard mitigation assistance. FEMA can also provide a temporary housing unit if there is a lack of available housing resources.

Anyone who applies for help and disagrees with FEMA's decision on it can also appeal.