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Gov. Joe Manchin and state emergency management officials late this afternoon received word that President Obama has approved the governor’s request for a federal disaster declaration for southern West Virginia, following severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides that occurred last weekend.

This designation enables federal funding and personnel to be allocated to the flood-ravaged areas to assist with cleanup efforts and to provide additional assistance to those who were directly affected by the flooding and storms. 

Manchin said he applauds the President and Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano for the quick action on the disaster request, and for the strong support from the state’s congressional delegation for expediting the declaration.

“Sen. Byrd, Sen. Rockefeller and Congressman Rahall have all been working hard with us to ensure that the families of southern West Virginia are able to get the additional help they need,” Manchin said. “This is a coordinated effort on all fronts – in the flood zone, in Charleston and in Washington -- to make this recovery as quick as possible. With the federal declaration, we have more tools and funding to get our residents’ lives back in order.”

The initial declaration covers Mingo and Wyoming counties, but other areas can be added as damage assessments and the recovery process continues. Mingo and Wyoming counties were most affected by last week’s flooding, and the damage in those counties alone is enough to warrant federal assistance, said state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jimmy Gianato.