CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey has requested President Donald Trump make a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency Declaration in Ohio and Marion counties in connection with deadly flash flooding from last weekend.
Morrisey submitted a formal letter Friday.
He said the damage from the high water can be clearly seen.
“After traveling to both Ohio and Marion counties and assessing the damage firsthand, I have asked President Donald Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency Declaration,” Morrisey said. “These declarations will help unlock federal resources to support our fellow West Virginians hardest hit by the major flooding events earlier this week.”
The floodwaters in Ohio County last Saturday night claimed nine lives in the Triadelphia area. The bodies of eight of the victims have been recovered.
Marion County was hard hit on Sunday when raging water caused the Village Apartments on Locust Avenue in Fairmont to partially collapse.
Morrisey is requesting both individual assistance for flood victims and public assistance. Public assistance would provide federal reimbursement for what both counties and the state have spent on flood response.