WASHINGTON, D.C. – Help is on its way to flood victims in Logan, Lincoln and Mingo counties.

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) announced late Thursday night that he had received notification from the White House that the state of West Virginia has been granted a major disaster declaration that triggers the release of federal funds to help individuals and communities in Logan, Lincoln and Mingo Counties in West Virginia recover from the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides, which occurred March 15 after four inches of rain poured down on several communities in an hour.

“The quick response to make available these federal resources will hasten the recovery process and help the many families, businesses and communities to rebound and get their lives back on track. I commend all involved on the swift action in approving this funding,” Rahall said in a press release issued just before midnight last night.

Assistance funds will be made available to individuals and households in Logan County, the press release said. Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities will also be made available to Logan, Lincoln and Mingo counties.

All counties in the State of West Virginia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) spoke with and wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Thursday to underscore West Virginia’s critical need for additional federal assistance after more devastating storms caused severe damage in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin requested the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the affected areas, some of which were hit in both sets of storms within days of each other.

At this time, individuals in Logan County can register with FEMA the following ways: constituents may call the registration phone number at (800) 621-3362; those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362; or, apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Logan County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Sonya Porter said she was overjoyed to learn of the disaster declaration, which will help bring assistance to the flood victims.

“This is great news,” Porter said in a phone interview.

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To contact Staff Writer Michael Browning, call 304-752-6950, extension 309, or email him at mbrowning@loganbanner.com.