© UnknownBellville, Wood County
FEMA denied McDonnell's request for Washington and Pulaski counties over the weekend indicating the damage was not severe enough to qualify for federal assistance.
More than two dozen tornadoes hit Virginia in April killing 10, including four in Washington County. The storms destroyed more than 200 homes and damaged another 1,000 structures, according to the Associated Press.
McDonnell has indicated he may appeal FEMA's decision. We believe the governor should.
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., who represents Virginia's 9th Congressional District, also is urging FEMA to reconsider its decision.
"Apparently, we can spend all sorts of money on many frivolous federal programs, but not for those who are truly in need of disaster relief," Griffith said Monday. "I urge the governor to appeal this decision so that the people affected by these devastating storms in Southwest Virginia get the support they need to begin rebuilding."
If the state appeals FEMA's decision, it will require officials to gather new data about the extent of the damage, which could take several weeks, according to Bob Speildenner, director of federal public affairs for the Virginia Department of Emergency Services.
The fact that victims of the deadly tornadoes may now have to wait several additional weeks to see if they qualify for federal assistance is unfortunate.
We join McDonnell and Griffith in urging FEMA to reconsider its decision to deny federal assistance to the tornado victims of Washington and Pulaski counties. Those families who were devastated by the deadly storms in Southwest Virginia last month are in urgent need of help.
Why FEMA would not be willing to help these families in Southwest Virginia is baffling. Griffith is correct. FEMA should do its job - and help those who are truly in need of disaster relief assistance.
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