Federal Aid Authorized for Virginia Counties Affected by…

President Biden has authorized federal assistance for Virginia counties affected by Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene, enabling FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts. The aid targets recovery in Southwest Virginia, with eyewitness accounts of extensive damage and loss of life. Governor Youngkin expressed gratitude for the federal response while local officials continue to restore essential services.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden authorized federal aid to assist counties in Virginia affected by the devastation caused by Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene. This directive, issued by the White House, empowers the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security to oversee all disaster relief operations aimed at alleviating the hardships encountered by local communities. The support specifically targets recovery efforts in Southwest Virginia, particularly within Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe counties, and the City of Galax. Governor Glenn Youngkin commended the federal support, stating, “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.” Following his visit to the affected areas, Governor Youngkin confirmed that local officials are diligently working to restore essential services such as power, communications, and water supply. The severe destruction of Hurricane Helene has stretched across Florida and the southeastern United States, resulting in at least 44 fatalities, including three firefighters and a woman and her one-month-old twins, as reported by the Associated Press. In Virginia, the storm has caused substantial damage, with reports indicating that it has uprooted homes and led to the devastation of numerous buildings and bridges. Tragically, the Governor reported the first fatality related to the storm, occurring in Craig County when a tree fell, leading to a building collapse. Noting the bravery of first responders, Governor Youngkin expressed, “We are heartbroken for all Virginians and Americans who have suffered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We’re incredibly proud of our brave first responders from around the Commonwealth who have saved countless lives, and we are deeply grateful to those working tirelessly to restore electricity, communication, and food supplies.” For residents seeking help, the state has urged individuals to visit VAemergency.gov or contact 211 for assistance.

Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene significantly impacted regions in Virginia, following its devastating path across parts of Florida and the southeastern United States. This severe tropical storm resulted in substantial destruction, leading to loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and properties. As local and state authorities coordinate relief efforts, federal assistance has been activated to bolster recovery initiatives. Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration is actively responding to the needs of affected communities, emphasizing the importance of continued support and collaboration among federal, state, and local entities to facilitate recovery.

In summary, President Biden’s authorization of federal aid underscores the urgent need for coordinated disaster relief efforts in response to the devastating effects of Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene in Virginia. The support aims to assist affected counties in Southwest Virginia, restoring essential services and providing relief to those in dire circumstances. As local officials work tirelessly to address the extensive damage, the call for federal support highlights collaborative efforts to aid communities in recovering from the aftermath of this natural disaster.

Original Source: www.wjla.com