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BUCKHANNON – Gov. Patrick Morrisey has formally requested that President Donald J. Trump issue an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for West Virginia following last week’s devastating flooding in Upshur and Lewis counties.
The request seeks federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Upshur Counties, along with statewide Hazard Mitigation funding.
“Our state has mobilized every available resource to protect lives, support affected families, and begin the recovery process,” Morrisey said in a release. “While West Virginians have shown extraordinary resilience and neighbors have stepped up to help neighbors, the scope of this disaster exceeds what our state and local communities can reasonably manage alone. Federal assistance is essential to help families recover, restore critical public infrastructure, and rebuild stronger for the future.”
The state has coordinated flood relief efforts involving thousands of state employees, the West Virginia National Guard, first responders, volunteer organizations and local officials. Emergency operations have included search and rescue missions, debris removal, roadway restoration, emergency protective measures, public health support, and efforts to restore drinking water, sanitation, and other essential services.
The state has received more than 950 household damage reports through its damage assessment system.
On Saturday, Morrisey went to storm-damaged sites in Upshur and Pleasants counties.
“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but every day we’re seeing meaningful progress because West Virginians continue stepping up to help one another,” Morrisey said. “State agencies, local officials, first responders, volunteers, and our federal partners continue working side by side, and we’re committed to helping every affected community recover and rebuild.”
Meanwhile, Upshur officials and the W.Va. National Guard are asking Upshur County residents to place flood‑damaged debris and household items at the curb no later than 12 p.m. on Tuesday.
“This debris‑collection effort is part of a county‑wide initiative to accelerate cleanup and support families affected by recent flooding,” a county press release stated. “Items should be staged at the edge of the right‑of‑way in a manner that does not block roadways, sidewalks, or drainage paths. Guard units will work systematically across impacted neighborhoods.”
Over the weekend, the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department announced it would again administer Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccines and hepatitis A vaccines for individuals who have been in floodwaters or who will be assisting with cleanup efforts.
The vaccinations will be available at 15 North Locust Street in Buckhannon.