Photo by Derek Redd The Rev. Mike Palmer, pastor at Triadelphia United Methodist Church, stands with the new memorial for the nine people killed in the flash floods of June 14.

TRIADELPHIA — The major disaster declaration that residents from flood-ravaged parts of Ohio and Marion counties had waited for for more than a month finally arrived Tuesday evening.

That major disaster declaration means that the Federal Emergency Management Agency Individual Assistance program will be able to provide financial aid to homeowners and renters affected by the June flooding. The awarding of the Emergency Declaration for Public Assistance means that supplemental financial assistance for state agencies and local governments is now unlocked.

Flash floods in Ohio County on June 14 destroyed dozens of homes and killed nine people. Flash floods in Marion County on June 15 caused significant property damage.

Members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation — U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice and U.S. Reps. Riley Moore and Carol Miller, all R-W.Va. — applauded the move.

“The West Virginia Congressional Delegation is grateful to the Trump administration for the major disaster declaration and emergency declaration giving the approval of our state’s request for federal disaster aid. The flooding that occurred saw devastating loss of life and property, and we are glad that much-needed help is on the way to help these communities recover and rebuild. We commend the bravery of the first responders who sprang into action and the local leaders, churches, and charities who have been on the ground helping victims begin to rebuild their lives,” the lawmakers said.

Return to timesleaderonline.com later for more on this developing story.