Asheville STR gone - advice?

[Lisa Mallory]

Our STR was in Asheville, as are we. Sadly the property no longer exists; it was at 22 Riverbend Drive sitting on the Swannanoa River, and like all nine houses sitting on the river, it was swept away and floated down the river. Fortunately my family is safe, but I have a question for the forum if anyone has advice. Our mortgage was significantly higher than our flood insurance, and I don't know if we qualify to try to apply for FEMA or if there is other assistance, and if so, if we would apply as a business (we file it on our personal taxes as rental income). I need to do research once I get settled somewhere (our other house was heavily damaged by trees falling on it) but thought I'd ask this forum in the meantime.

I'm grateful for any advice that you have, and I hope everyone is safe.