(Washington) — Locals who suffered losses in last month’s tornado in Dry Fork are now eligible for more help.
Pittsylvania County has been added to the list of localities eligible for individual federal storm assistance after the remnants of Hurricane Helene roared through the area. This can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.
FEMA may be able to help you pay for essential items, temporary housing, home repairs and other needs due to the disaster, including:
Essential items such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation;
Financial assistance to help pay for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit as well as rental assistance if you are displaced because of the disaster;
Repair or replacement of a vehicle, appliances, room furnishings, personal or family computer;
Books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment; and
Moving and storage fees, medical expenses, childcare and funeral expenses.
Two tornadoes spawned by Helene touched down in Pittsylvania County. One was an EF-2 tornado in Dry Fork that stayed on the ground for seven miles with winds of 118 miles per hour.
32 structures were damaged and a mobile home was destroyed. A woman living in the mobile home was hurt.
A small smaller EF-1 tornado touched the ground briefly in Keeling about two hours later. No one was hurt.
Pittsylvania County Public Safety officials are still compiling a final damage report.
Photo courtesy Nicholas Drone Service