Whirlwind: Put pressure on those who can provide federal help
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Here we go again, as not just the Mid-Ohio Valley, but large sections of West Virginia find themselves in recovery mode after nasty storms, destructive winds, two tornadoes and flooding.
Once again, state emergencies have been declared. Very late Tuesday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey was trying to keep track of the severe weather and all the communities that were affected.
"Many West Virginians are helping communities deal with flooding, property damage, and dangerous conditions tonight," Morrisey said. "State and local emergency officials are working to assist those affected, and this declaration ensures we can quickly deploy resources wherever help is needed. I urge every West Virginian to exercise an abundance of caution, stay off flooded roadways, monitor local forecasts, and follow the direction of emergency officials."
Approximately 100 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to the hardest hit counties in the northern part of the state Tuesday, with another 200 expected Wednesday.
It is cold comfort that those folks were necessary, again, and have become so practiced at responding. But they did respond; and no doubt they and many others are picking up where first responders, utility workers and road crews left off.
Many others from our region and beyond are finding ways to help recovering communities even as we also hope to send support to those hit by flooding. It's a familiar refrain. The details may change a little, but we've mastered the routine.
That doesn't mean we can -- or should -- bounce back alone.
Morrisey must not wait nearly a month (as was the case with his request for federal help regarding flash flooding in Boone and Logan counties) to ask the president to approve a major disaster declaration and federal individual assistance.
He must also remember those in Pleasants and adjacent counties whose homes and property were ravaged by a much more localized event.
"Every family deserves the opportunity to recover from a disaster like this," Morrisey said Tuesday, regarding Boone and Logan counties. "Approving this request will provide critical assistance to homeowners, renters, and communities as they rebuild, while also helping West Virginia invest in projects that make us more resilient before the next storm arrives."
The next storm arrived later that day.
Morrisey and our congressional delegation must not let up pressure for a QUICK federal declaration for all those affected by this summer's severe weather. What must not become routine is that Mountain State residents expect another delay like the one we endured last summer after a similar rash of weather events.
Morrisey is right about us being resilient. Goodness knows it would be nice if we didn't always have to be.