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W.Va. Needs Flood Relief Help, Too

Federal disaster relief agencies seem focused on devastating flooding in Louisiana, and that certainly is appropriate. As many as 40,000 homes have been damaged by muddy water that also claimed 13 lives in that state.

Don’t forget about West Virginia, however.

Raging flash floods that hit several counties in the southeastern quadrant of the Mountain State killed 23 people and destroyed 2,050 homes. Thousands of people in the affected area — and in Follansbee, as a result of a later flood — still need help.

State officials are doing what they can. Millions of dollars have been spent to help flooded-out families with immediate health and safety needs. Millions more are being spent on cleanup work.

Rebuilding damaged or destroyed homes, businesses and schools will require more money than the victims and state government can afford. That is where Washington should step in to provide assistance.

West Virginians’ hearts go out to the flood victims in Louisiana, in part because many of us have a very good idea of the trials and travails our neighbors to the south are undergoing. But we need help, too.

So, we urge federal relief agencies, do what you can in Louisiana — but don’t forget about West Virginia.

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