Morrisey Seeks Federal Disaster Declaration as Flood Recovery Continues in Weston, Buckhannon
WESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey is seeking an expedited federal disaster declaration as National Guard members, state agencies, nonprofit organizations and a growing number of volunteers continue the recovery effort across Weston, Buckhannon and other flood-damaged communities.
Morrisey formally asked President Donald Trump on Saturday to issue an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms, flash flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes and landslides that struck West Virginia beginning July 21.
The request seeks federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties, along with statewide funding for future hazard-mitigation projects. Additional counties could be added as damage assessments continue.
If approved, Individual Assistance could provide help to eligible homeowners and renters affected by the disaster. Public Assistance could help local governments and eligible organizations cover costs associated with debris removal, emergency response and repairs to damaged public infrastructure.
Morrisey said the damage and cost of recovery have exceeded what state, local and charitable resources can reasonably handle alone.
“The scope of this disaster exceeds what our state and local communities can reasonably manage alone,” Morrisey said in announcing the request.
The request comes as the response in Lewis and Upshur counties increasingly shifts from emergency rescues toward debris removal, damage assessment and the longer process of helping residents return to their homes.
Hundreds of West Virginia National Guard members have been mobilized during the response. Guard members and other state crews have helped remove flood debris, distribute water and supplies, restore access to roads and assist local officials as they document damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
The National Guard’s presence remains one part of a much larger operation that now includes local first responders, county and municipal employees, churches, nonprofit organizations, businesses and volunteers arriving from across West Virginia and beyond.
In Lewis County, the Marketplace property in Weston continues serving as a central location where organizations are coordinating supplies, meals and other services for affected residents. Volunteers have worked to connect families with food, water, cleaning materials and other immediate needs while additional crews move into neighborhoods to help with cleanup.
In Upshur County, West Virginia Wesleyan College has served as a central location for donated supplies and community support. Volunteers are also being directed into damaged areas around Buckhannon to help residents remove mud, ruined belongings and water-damaged materials from their homes.
Samaritan’s Purse is among the disaster-relief organizations responding in West Virginia, bringing equipment and volunteer teams to help residents clean damaged homes and begin the recovery process. The organization announced its response Friday as additional outside assistance began arriving in affected communities.
The American Red Cross, Operation BBQ Relief, food banks, family resource networks, local churches and community organizations have also helped provide shelter, meals, supplies and other services.
At the same time, local, state and federal assessment teams remain in the field documenting the full scope of the flooding. Those assessments are important because they will help determine what federal programs may become available and how much assistance communities could receive.
The flooding caused extensive damage throughout both Lewis and Upshur counties, filling homes and businesses with water, closing roads and bridges and leaving large amounts of debris throughout neighborhoods. Two people were killed in Upshur County. Lewis County officials have reported no residents remaining missing or unaccounted for following the flooding.
Although water has receded and many roads have reopened, the recovery is expected to continue for weeks and months. Crews are still clearing debris, volunteers are helping residents clean their properties and local officials are continuing to connect families with the government and charitable assistance available to them.
Morrisey’s federal request represents the next major step in that process as communities move beyond the immediate emergency and begin calculating what it will take to repair homes, restore infrastructure and rebuild.
