FEMA set to visit Ohio Valley for flood damage assessment

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) – Following the April flooding throughout the region, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties immediately called a preliminary damage assessment to send to the State Office of Emergency Management.

Because of the sheer numbers of the 25 counties affected throughout the region, FEMA has determined that there is enough damage to come on location and has done a more comprehensive damage assessment.

The hope is that the results will meet the criteria under the Stafford Act to then get a presidential declaration.

”If that’s approved by President Biden, then FEMA brings in small business administration, where any businesses that were affected, or more importantly, all the citizens that have flooding they may be eligible for individual assistance. So, even though their houses were destroyed, the cost they incurred by cleanup, replacing washers, dryers, furnaces, that may be covered under FEMA. SO, if we do get a presidential declaration, then FEMA actually comes in, they will sit down with all of the homeowners that have damage, and then hopefully get some money to reimburse them for all of their expenses caused by this flood.”

Lou Vargo – EMA Director, Ohio County

FEMA will be in Wheeling at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 22.

They will look in depth at the two houses destroyed during the flooding and drive throughout the county to collect data.

On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, they will be assessing Marshall and Wetzel counties.

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