The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been approved by President Biden to assist Virginia in recovery from Helene.

This means that federal funding has become available to the state and certain nonprofits organizations on a cost sharing basis for emergency in the hardest hit areas.

Direct assistance is available for Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wyth Counties and the City of Galax.

Governor Youngkin visited Damascus in Southwest Virginia September 29 to assess the storm damage caused by Hurricane Helene and emphasized the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting the affected communities in their recovery efforts.

Over 50 swift water crews were deployed with helicopter air support and able to help stranded people in Washington County in the city of Damascus where substantial flooding was recorded particularly at Radford University.

A Virginia State Police helicopter was dispatched to assist at least 50 people on the roof of a hospital in Tennessee.

In Virginia one fatality occurred in Craig County when a tree fell causing a building collapse.

Five counties including Augusta were under voluntary evacuation recommendations during the brunt of the storm.

Governor Youngkin said the recovery from this storm is going to take some time.

He also commended the efforts of all first responders in answering the call.

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