McDowell County, West Virginia (WCHS) The Federal Emergency Management Agency is beginning to open disaster recovery centers in areas of southern West Virginia severely impacted by winter flooding.
One center opened Friday at Bradshaw’s Town Hall in McDowell County, where residents are still digging out after massive flood damage.
Flooding necessitated major road repairs.
So far, more than $1 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for over 1,300 West Virginia households.
Mark O’Hanlon, a FEMA coordinating officer, advised flood victims on what they should bring to a disaster recovery center.
“What we need is proof of who you are, like your documents that show that you’re a resident here, that it’s your primary residence or a renter and insurance documents you may have,” according to O’Hanlon.
“If you have damages or photographs of that, or if you have any receipts for any expenses that you may have incurred, please bring those with you.”
Disaster recovery centers will be established in Williamson at the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and in Pineville at the Wyoming County Courthouse.
Flood survivors are not required to visit a disaster recovery center to register with FEMA. Applications can be completed online or by calling 800-621-3362.
