CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Democrats are urging President Donald Trump to approve a federal disaster declaration for areas of the Mountain State devastated by flash flooding in June, saying the delay is hurting families still struggling to recover more than one month after the tragedy.
The Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, with Ohio County (including Wheeling, Triadelphia, and Valley Grove) and adjacent Marion County (particularly Fairmont) suffered the most significant damage in the June 14 floods.
The flooding resulted in nine deaths, all within Ohio County, including seven residents of Triadelphia.
Governor Patrick Morrisey formally requested both a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency Declaration on June 20 to release federal resources.
Democratic leaders have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of action, pointing out that President Trump quickly approved a disaster declaration for flooding in Texas around the same time.
