Gov. Patrick Morrisey has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald J. Trump for Kanawha, Fayette and Harrison counties following severe storms and flooding that struck West Virginia from Aug. 14 through Aug. 18.
The request would make federal assistance available to eligible residents in the three counties. Morrisey is also requesting Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance statewide.
According to state officials, Kanawha County had the largest concentration of residential damage identified in preliminary assessments, with 375 impacted homes. Of those, 17 were destroyed and 41 sustained major damage.
Across Kanawha, Fayette and Harrison counties, joint preliminary damage assessments identified 624 impacted residences. In all, 22 homes were destroyed, 60 sustained major damage, 261 sustained minor damage and 281 were otherwise affected.
Officials said the August floods amounted to an estimated $4.48 million worth of damages.
Flood insurance coverage among households in the three affected counties averages approximately 9.5%, according to the governor’s request. The request states that serious residential damage, limited insurance coverage and the financial circumstances of affected households have left many families without the resources necessary to recover on their own.
“Our communities have been hit hard by repeated storms and flooding, and too many West Virginia families are still trying to put their homes and lives back together,” Morrisey said. “Our state, local communities, first responders and volunteers have stepped up from day one. Now we are asking President Trump to approve this declaration so we can bring additional resources to the families and communities working to recover.”
West Virginia has committed state and local personnel, equipment, funding and other resources to protect residents, assess damage, assist displaced families and support recovery efforts, Morrisey said. The request notes that repeated and overlapping disasters have placed additional strain on state, local and volunteer resources.
If the declaration is approved, eligible residents in Kanawha and the two other affected counties would have access to individual assistance. Officials could amend the request to include additional counties or programs, including public assistance, as damage assessments continue.
“When families lose their homes or face repairs they cannot possibly afford on their own, government should work together to help them recover,” Morrisey said. “This is exactly why federal disaster assistance exists. We will continue fighting to make sure these communities have the resources they need to rebuild.”
