CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey officially requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump for West Virginia over terrible flooding that swept through the southern part of the state last month.
Boone and Logan counties were devastated by the high waters on June 22 and 23. Morrisey made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in a release, saying the request asks the federal government for Individual Assistance for Boone and Logan counties, along with statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding.
“The people of southern West Virginia have shown incredible resilience in the face of devastating flooding, but many families have suffered losses that exceed what state and local resources can address alone,” Morrisey said. “We’ve committed every available state resource since these storms hit, and now we’re asking President Trump to provide the federal assistance these communities need to rebuild their homes and move forward.”
Morrisey’s release said damage assessments by FEMA, state, and local officials found 186 homes were damaged in Boone and Logan counties. 12 homes were destroyed and 18 sustained major damage, per the release.
The FEMA Individual Assistance would provide housing help, disaster care management, crisis counseling, and legal services for those affected. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding would go toward projects that would counteract the risk of future flood damage.
“Every family deserves the opportunity to recover from a disaster like this,” Morrisey said. “Approving this request will provide critical assistance to homeowners, renters, and communities as they rebuild, while also helping West Virginia invest in projects that make us more resilient before the next storm arrives.”
Less than a month after that terrible flooding, counties all across West Virginia were struck by flash flooding and suspected tornadoes Tuesday night.