In the News

Following an earthquake and a hurricane, it is easy to forget about the deadly tornadoes that ripped through Southwest Virginia earlier this year.

However, the violent April storms are still fresh on the minds of the Southwest Virginia victims, many of whom are still upset over the Obama Administration’s refusal to grant Gov. Bob McDonnell’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the area. That’s why it was good to learn last week that an additional $1.1 million in pledges and donations have been raised for the tornado victims by area charities, corporations, organizations and concerned citizens.

McDonnell said the $1.1 million will be placed in the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund, which in return will be used to help victims of the deadly storms. More than two dozen tornadoes hit Virginia in April killing 10, including four in Washington County. The storms destroyed more than 200 homes and damaged another 1,000 structures. Still, a federal disaster declaration was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., said he, along with many other Virginians, were unprepared for a tornado in Southwest Virginia.

“Growing up in the mountains of Virginia, I did not think we had to worry about tornadoes, but Pulaski and Washington counties proved otherwise,” Griffith said last week. “Disaster relief is not a partisan issue. Members of the Virginia congressional delegation — both Republicans and Democrats — worked together to request FEMA assistance for the impacted areas.”

Griffith said the $1.1 million that was raised in a matter of months shows how Virginians can come together to help their neighbors in need. According to Griffith, the $1.1 million will help rebuild communities impacted by the April storms.

Those area charities, corporations, organizations and concerned citizens who stepped up to help raise funding for the tornado victims are to be applauded for their benevolence.

While last week’s earthquake rattled nerves, it didn’t damage anything in the region. The same goes for Hurricane Irene, which basically missed the greater southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia region. However, the April tornadoes left a deadly path of destruction in their aftermath.

That’s why it is so important to note that help is finally on the way for the tornado victims — even if it’s not coming from the federal government.

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