Governor Glenn Youngkin announces approval of a Federal Emergency Declaration in southwest Virginia

RICHMOND, VA (WVNS) — A Federal Emergency Declaration was approved to help support southwest Virginia after Tropical Storm Helene swept through the region.

According to the Governor of Virginia’s website , an announcement was made by Governor Glenn Youngkin stating that the request for a federal emergency declaration for Public Assistance, Emergency Protective Measures, and Direct Federal Assistance to help with recovery efforts in parts of southwest Virginia was approved.

The areas included in the declaration are:

• Tazewell County
• Grayson County
• Smyth County
• Washington County
• Wise County
• Wythe County
• City of Galax

Other counties, such as Giles County and Pulaski County, could be added to the list after damage assessments and the FEMA process is complete.

Hurricane Helene’s impacts were felt across Southwest Virginia and the impacts are heart wrenching. Immediately, we went to work to request additional federal assistance on top of the state and local assistance that we are already providing. Thank you to President Biden, Senator Warner, Senator Kaine, and Congressman Griffith for their support and continued coordination to provide assistance to Virginians in need.

I visited some of the impacted counties to reiterate that we are praying for all affected Virginians and we’re working to restore power, communications, water, and cell phone coverage immediately. State and local officials are coordinating to ensure that key essentials such as water and food are available to those that need it.

As we begin the recovery process, Virginians in need can go to VAemergency.gov or dial 211 for help. At the state and local level, we will remain continually engaged to ensure Virginians get the support and help that they need in the aftermath of this powerful storm.

I am proud of Virginia first responders for their assistance, the grit and resilience of Virginians and together, we will get through this.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

Additional information about resources, as well as various actions taken in Virginia to deal with the effects of Tropical Storm Helene, can be found on the Governor of Virginia’s website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.