The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

May 21, 2009

EOC urges Raleigh flood victims to call FEMA

Amelia A. Pridemore

Raleigh County flood victims, authorities say, could still receive federal aid, but they have to make a phone call first.

While most county areas were generally spared by the May 9 flooding in southern West Virginia, the Rhodell and Amigo communities were hard-hit. Rhodell residents temporarily lost water service, and heavy damage was done to a bridge on Devil’s Fork Road in Amigo.

Marty Agee, deputy director of the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center, said Raleigh residents whose primary residences sustained flood damage need to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362. That will ensure flood victims will at least be considered.

“This is not a closed deal,” she said. “They need to, at least, get on the list. But they have to call and register with FEMA. Then our situation could be re-evaluated. It’s totally up to them.”

Apparently, a rumor spread that Raleigh County officials did not apply for federal aid, which was not true, Agee said. County authorities declared a local emergency, then forwarded all necessary information to state authorities. Gov. Joe Manchin’s emergency declaration included Raleigh County.

“They’re not saying yes, but they’re not saying no,” Agee said of federal authorities. “But this will require participation by the folks who did receive damage to their living quarters.”

Agee noted the Raleigh EOC has done everything it can by delivering water to those who lost service, bringing flood debris Dumpsters to both Amigo and Rhodell and bringing other needed supplies.

Both flood Dumpsters will be gone by 9 a.m. today, she said. Residents will now be responsible for taking any remaining flood debris to landfills on their own.

— E-mail:

apridemore@register-herald.com

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