BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. — Mingo County is one of the four counties in West Virginia to have a major disaster declaration approved by the Trump Administration.
Some residents felt it took too long. However, officials say that sometimes it takes time to get the paperwork and other necessary documents finished before it can happen.
The declaration comes 12 days after rain began to fall across the entirety of the state, causing destructive flooding in the southern coalfields. Five inches of rain fell in parts of the southern coalfields, which caused the Tug Fork River to reach near record-high crests in areas such as Williamson and Kermit.
A spokesperson for West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey’s Administration says that individual assistance has been approved for McDowell, Mingo, Mercer and Wyoming counties.
Other counties could be added to the declaration, the spokesperson said.
More information will be available about how people can access this help. Those affected should monitor news agencies for this information.
Flood victims in the affected counties can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App.
This declaration also provides the opportunity for all West Virginia counties to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The program can provide resources to prevent future flooding.
“I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem for stepping up to support West Virginians in need,” Governor Morrisey said in a press release. “Thank you as well to Senators Capito and Justice and to Representatives Miller and Moore for their efforts. The Major Disaster Declaration will supplement the work being completed on the ground and provide relief to recovering communities in southern West Virginia.”
Mark O’Hanlon was named the Federal Coordinating Officer for operations in the affected areas.