More than a week after the July 21 flash floods that killed two people and destroyed at least 33 homes in Lewis and Upshur counties, no federal major disaster declaration had been approved. Storms dropped 6 to 7 inches of rain in roughly 30 minutes, triggering flash flooding across north central West Virginia.
West Virginia’s full congressional delegation, Representatives Riley Moore and Carol Miller and Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, has written to the President requesting the declaration, which would unlock FEMA funding for debris removal, recovery work, and individual assistance.
Many affected households lack flood insurance, so the declaration matters enormously for recovery on the ground. Watershed groups across the basin may want to keep an eye on how the request progresses and where volunteer and donation support is needed.
