WV and National Disaster News - August 24, 2023

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WEST VIRGINIA
 
COVID
WV Weekly COVID Report for August 23, 2023 (WV DHHR) - there have been five deaths reported since last week's dashboard update, with a total of 8,175 deaths attributed to COVID-19. WV DHHR has confirmed the deaths of a 65-year old male from Jackson County, a 76-year old female from Jackson County, a 75-year old male from Ohio County, a 92-year old female from Hampshire County, and a 61-year old male from Mercer County.

• State leadership expects national uptick in COVID cases to reach West Virginia  (WCHS-TV)

Fire Departments

• West Virginia American Water awards grants to local fire departments (Coal Valley News)

• Inspection records reveal apparent gap in fire hydrant function (WSAZ-TV) 

• Dual alert for heat and thunder  (WSAZ-TV)

NATIONAL NEWS
 
FEMA Disaster Funds

• FEMA disaster fund is running out, Administrator says (CBS News)

HEAT & Extreme Temps

• This summer has been a scorcher. DHS wants communities to plan for more of them (NPR) – DHS has created New Guidelines for Extreme Temperatures that officials can use to help design their own extreme temperature response plans.

High Tide Flooding

• US high tide flooding continues to break records (PhysOrg News)

• FEMA Awards $50 million in BRIC Grants to Fund Resiliency Projects in PA and VA (EIN News Desk)

• 'Miracle house' owner hopes it will serve as a base for rebuilding Lahaina (NPR)
• Why was there no water to fight the fire in Maui?  (The Guardian)
• In deadly Maui fires, many had no warning and no way out. Those who dodged barricades survived (Associated Press) 

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