MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (WOAY)- Flood recovery efforts are ongoing in McDowell County as volunteers and first responders navigate winter weather that has blanketed the area for two days.
People from around the county are stepping up to give their neighbors a helping hand. Some of those volunteers suffered major losses themselves.
President Donald Trump has yet to approve a federal disaster declaration in southern West Virginia, but state officials believe that one is likely. In two separate media briefings, Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Governor Patrick Morrisey said they are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure funding.
For context, it took President Joe Biden to authorize FEMA in response to severe weather across West Virginia last April.
The county commission is continuing to urge McDowell County residents to fill out the West Virginia Emergency Management Division’s storm damage survey. While it is not a direct application for disaster assistance, it will assist the state government as it requests help from the federal government.
There has also been a non-emergency flooding hotline set up. By calling (888) 929 – 4966, you can get non-emergency flooding help or make a donation.
Power has been fully restored to McDowell County, according to outage trackers. According to Sheriff James E. Muncy, there is still a lot of work still to do to restore water service.
You can view the latest update on flood recovery here:
Thursday’s updates:
