West Virginia governor requests disaster declaration amid large-scale flooding
Widespread flooding led West Virginia Gov. Justice to request disaster declaration from FEMA
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Gov. Jim Justice has asked President Joe Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency approve a disaster declaration for West Virginia because of flooding from last month.
THESE DANGEROUS STORMS HAVE BEEN MOVING ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
According to a news release, Justice declared a state of emergency for Cabell, Putnam, and Roane counties related to the flooding.
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"As with all disasters, I directed our state agencies to use every tool and partnership to respond to immediate needs and document damages that our citizens and communities are experiencing," Justice said in a statement on Friday. "I am absolutely focused on bringing West Virginians the disaster relief needed to help get things back to normal."
On May 6, West Virginia experienced large-scale flooding throughout the state. Some of the flooding in Huntington included rapidly moving floodwaters several feet deep covered cars along one neighborhood.
STORMS AND FLOODS HAVE BEEN RAVAGING THE EAST COAST
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The governor’s request for a disaster declaration includes individual assistance with the possibility of receiving Hazard Mitigation Assistance and Small Business Administration Disaster Loans. The May 6 flooding event did not meet FEMA’s threshold to request public assistance.