WV and National Disaster News - August 23, 2023

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Disaster Relief 

In the United States we have already had 15 weather-related disasters, from hurricanes and floods to wildfires, causing destruction to homes, businesses and communities across the nation. If you are wondering how you can help, learn how to donate and/or volunteer - Safely and Wisely.  

• Donate to a recognized disaster relief organization. Cash is best – it is the most flexible and effective method to donate. Allows organizations on the ground to get the items and quantities that are most needed. If possible, they can purchase through local business which helps to support the economic recovery.
• Volunteer with a recognized disaster relief organization – like the American Red Cross. DO NOT Self deploy.  

Learn more at: How I Can Help: Donate & Volunteer

For Maui Wildfire relief, go to: Hawaii ​Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), also see:  Three Ways to Help Maui's Wildfire Survivors

WEST VIRGINIA
 
Chemical Spill

• Year after toxic spill, Paint Creek residents still searching for answers  (Charleston Gazette-Mail) 

• Marshall University's New Cyber Security Institute Poised To Become National Leader  (West Virginia Public Broadcasting-Radio) 

• West Virginia governor signs three bills to fund volunteer fire departments  (WTAP-TV) 

• Dangerous Heat Moving into Ohio Valley  (West Virginia Public Broadcasting-Radio)
• Oppressive heat to stick around through Friday night  (MetroNews-Radio)
• Cooling centers open ahead of excessive heat watch  (WSAZ-TV) 

• Upshur County CERT is looking for volunteers  (WBOY-TV)

Water Safety

• Paden City Tap Water Remains Unusable  (The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register)

NATIONAL NEWS
 
Flood Recovery in Vermont

• After the floods, Vermonters face hard choices about whether to rebuild (WBUR – Vermont)

FEMA Disaster Funds Depleting 

• ​Influx of severe weather is draining FEMA's disas​ter relief fund (NBC5-WPTZ – VT) – FEMA has tallied 15 weather-related disasters in 2023. Each disaster has come in at a cost of over $1 billion dollars in damages, which does NOT include Maui's wildfire. 

Weather

• U.S. high tide flooding continues to break records (NOAA)
• 4 named tropical systems formed in 39 hours, the first time in recorded history (Tampa Bay Times)
• Chicago prepares for excessive heat expected Wednesday and Thursday (Chicago Tribune)
• Tropical Storm Harold slamming Texas with heavy rain, powerful winds: Updates (USA Today) 

Wildfires

• N.J. wildfire spreads to 1,700 acres, is 95% contained (NJ.com)
• Smoke Blankets Pacific Northwest as Wildfires Rage (NY Times), related news: Fox News   
• 'They failed': Maui residents vent fresh anger over government's wildfire response (Hawaii News Now)
• Hundreds of Maui businesses, nonprofits apply for disaster recovery loan program (Hawaii News Now)
• Climate change doubled chance of weather conditions that led to record Quebec fires, researchers say (PA Homepage) 

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