Federal assistance requested following severe storms and flooding that damaged more than 600 homes
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald J. Trump for Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties after severe storms and flooding swept across West Virginia from Aug. 14–18. The request seeks Individual Assistance for the three counties and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding statewide.
Morrisey said repeated storms have left many families struggling to recover.
“Our communities have been hit hard by repeated storms and flooding, and too many West Virginia families are still trying to put their homes and lives back together,” Morrisey said. “Now we are asking President Trump to approve this declaration so we can bring additional resources to the families and communities working to recover.”
Joint preliminary damage assessments identified 624 impacted residences across the three counties. Officials reported 22 homes destroyed, 60 with major damage, 261 with minor damage, and 281 otherwise affected.
Kanawha County saw the most severe impact, with 375 damaged homes, including 17 destroyed and 41 sustaining major damage. Harrison County recorded 179 impacted residences, including 13 with major damage. Fayette County reported 70 damaged homes, including five destroyed and six with major damage.
Preliminary estimates place total Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance at nearly $4.48 million, including $2.74 million in estimated housing aid and $1.73 million in other needs assistance.
Flood insurance coverage remains low in the affected areas, averaging 9.5 percent, leaving many households without the financial means to recover. Morrisey said the combination of serious damage, limited insurance coverage and household financial strain underscores the need for federal support.
“This is exactly why federal disaster assistance exists,” Morrisey said. “We will continue fighting to make sure these communities have the resources they need to rebuild.”
State and local agencies have deployed personnel, equipment and funding to assist residents, assess damage and support recovery. The request notes that repeated and overlapping disasters have strained available resources.
If approved, the declaration would make Individual Assistance available to eligible residents in Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties. The state may amend the request to add additional counties or programs, including public assistance, as assessments continue.
