HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The leader of emergency medical services in Cabell County says he’s “disappointed” residents in his county won’t receive funding from the federal government in response to the May 6 flood.
“We’re really trying hard to help them and it bothers us that we can’t get the help for these people,” Cabell County EMS Director Gordon Merry told MetroNews Wednesday.
Gov. Jim Justice announced Tuesday a presidential disaster declaration has been denied for Cabell, Putnam and Roane counties. The request was submitted to President Joe Biden and FEMA. Justice also expressed disappointment, but said the state plans to fight back and appeal the decision.
Merry agrees with the governor’s move.
“We need to do everything humanly possible to try to get these people help. I’ve lived here all my life and we’ve never had flooding like this,” he said. “Unfortunately, FEMA didn’t see it the way we did.”
More than 100 homes were damaged during the flash flooding event. The damage was widespread, but was concentrated in the Enslow Park neighborhood of Huntington.
A man died after being swept away by flood waters in Milton. The storm also knocked power off to thousands of residents and resulted in water rescues.
MetroNews previously toured the damage and spoke to residents who lost everything inside their homes after receiving several feet of water.
“Basically, if you get 18 inches of water or so in your home, or if you get any water in your home, it’s devastating,” Merry said.
Flooded residents are now in the process of working to rebuild, but Merry said it’s a case-by-case situation where they’ll have to work with the county and other organizations rather than FEMA.
The state has 30 days to appeal the decision.