President Obama signed the declaration naming parts of southern West Virginia a federal disaster area.

This will open up millions of dollars and resources to help flooding victims rebuild. At least 15-hundred families lost their homes in the coalfield flooding event and early estimates show more than 20-million dollars in structural damage. Paul Howard, West Virginia Emergency Management Department Director of Operations said, " With this proclamation we can now set up Disaster Resource Centers. These are like one stop shops where people can come get start applying for federal loans and grants to get back on their feet.

The disaster declaration only includes flood victims in Mingo and Wyoming counties. Howards said more counties will probably be added at a later date. For more information on how to get help you can call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA