West Virginia death toll rises to 9 after flash flood

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — West Virginia officials provided an update on Wednesday after the deadly flooding that occurred in Ohio County.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey spoke to the media and confirmed that the death toll has now reached nine people.

The name of the person has not been released at this time but Ohio County Sheriff Nelson Croft told 7News that he has been in contact with Sandra Parson’s family. Parsons was the name officials gave of a missing person from the deadly flooding.

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Croft said they are waiting for identification and asks for the public to remain mindful of the family’s grief.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandra’s family during this difficult waiting game,” Croft said.

On Friday, the Governor formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency Declaration from President Donald Trump for Ohio and Marion counties following the severe flooding.

“These declarations will help unlock federal resources to support our fellow West Virginians hardest hit by the major flooding events earlier this week,” said Gov. Morrisey.

If approved, the Major Disaster Declaration would allow residents to access financial assistance through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, supporting homeowners and renters affected by the flooding.

The Emergency Declaration would provide supplemental funding to help state agencies and local governments with recovery efforts.