President Biden has ordered federal assistance for Virginia counties impacted by Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene, enabling FEMA to lead disaster relief efforts. The support aims to alleviate the hardships experienced by residents in several counties, as Governor Glenn Youngkin acknowledges the severity of the storm’s impact, highlighting the tragic loss of life and property. Resources for Virginia residents in need have been made available.
President Joe Biden has authorized federal assistance for various counties across Virginia that are grappling with the aftermath of Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene. According to a statement from the White House, this directive grants the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the responsibility of coordinating disaster relief. The primary objective of the federal support is to mitigate the hardships and suffering caused by the storm on affected local populations. The federal assistance is designed to bolster recovery efforts particularly in the Southwest regions of Virginia, encompassing the counties of Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe, as well as the City of Galax. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the initiative, expressing gratitude to President Biden and local officials for their collective support. In a recent statement, Governor Youngkin remarked, “Hurricane Helene’s impacts were felt across Southwest Virginia, and the impacts are heart-wrenching. Immediately, we went to work to request additional federal assistance on top of the state and local assistance that we are already providing.” He emphasized that he visited the affected areas, where recovery teams are actively working to restore essential services such as power and communications. The pervasive destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene has resulted in significant casualties, including at least 44 confirmed deaths in Florida and the southeastern United States. Among the deceased were first responders and families who suffered tragic losses due to hazardous conditions following the storm. In Southwest Virginia, the cyclone not only swept away houses but also caused considerable damage to infrastructure. Tragically, the state reported its first Helene-related death due to a tree falling and a building collapse in Craig County. As the community rallies together to recover from these harrowing events, Governor Youngkin conveyed deep sorrow for those affected, stating, “We are heartbroken for all Virginians and Americans who have suffered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We’re incredibly proud of our brave first responders from around the Commonwealth who have saved countless lives.” Perhaps to aid those in need, resources have been made available via VAemergency.gov and by dialing 211 for further assistance.
The article details the federal aid authorized by President Biden in response to the devastation caused by Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene in Virginia. The storm has significantly impacted various counties, leading to loss of life and extensive property damage. The federal relief aims to facilitate recovery efforts through FEMA’s coordinated response. Governor Glenn Youngkin’s support and acknowledgments highlight the collaborative approach needed for disaster recovery, while also bringing attention to the ongoing hardship faced by affected residents.
In conclusion, the federal assistance authorized by President Biden represents a vital step towards supporting Virginia counties devastated by Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene. The collaboration between federal and state officials, as indicated by Governor Youngkin’s remarks, underscores the seriousness of the ongoing recovery efforts. The loss of life and destruction in the wake of Helene calls for not only immediate aid but also a sustained commitment to rebuilding affected communities.
Original Source: www.wjla.com
