For the second time this year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has turned down Virginia’s call for help in the wake of disaster.
Gov. Bob McDonnell asked FEMA Sept. 20 for aid in assisting homeowners affected by a rare 5.8 magnitude earthquake the rattled the state and the East Coast in August. McDonnell’s office announced Friday FEMA denied the request despite $15 million in damage to residential properties.
“Disaster relief and public safety are core functions of the federal government,” McDonnell said. “Unfortunately, volunteer groups are ill-equipped to repair earthquake damage and while state and local officials are doing everything they can, federal assistance is necessary in ensuring that affected Virginians are able to get their homes back in working order and get back on their feet again.”
Virginia was also denied FEMA assistance after tornadoes hit the state earlier this year.
Unlike hurricanes and flooding that recently hit the east and northern parts of Virginia, most homeowners affected by the earthquake lacked insurance that would cover the costs of cleanup and damage. And volunteer groups caught offguard by the uncommon disaster lacked the skills to lend much support.
McDonnell said he will appeal the ruling.
