The Virginia Department of Emergency Management protects the lives and property of Virginia's citizens from emergencies and disasters by coordinating the state's emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.
FEMA Approves Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisa County Schools - Virginia Earthquake

Virginia Earthquake

FEMA Approves Federal Disaster Assistance for Louisa County Schools

RICHMOND The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Governor Bob McDonnell’s request for the Public Assistance Program to help with the cost to repair Louisa County schools that were damaged by the Aug. 23 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
The Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and the Louisa County High School sustained the most substantial damage and are closed indefinitely. The county has provided temporary facilities for students until the schools are repaired or rebuilt.

“This is great news for Louisa County schools and Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell. “I want to thank county and school officials for working with us and FEMA to pull together all the necessary information to make this happen. I also want to thank the President and FEMA for their quick approval of our request. There’s a lot of work ahead before Louisa County schools will be back to normal, but the county and the school system have a good plan to ensure that all school children will receive the best possible education in the interim.”

In addition to school repairs, this disaster assistance will help state and local government recover costs associated with earthquake response, such as damage to critical infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services.

FEMA also approved individual assistance to residents in Louisa County whose homes suffered earthquake damage. Information about the declaration and how to apply is available at http://www.vaemergency.gov.
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11/10/11

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Summary: United States Geological Survey reports 5.8 magnitude earthquake impacted Virginia at 1351. Epicenter was located approximately 4 miles south-southeast of Louisa, VA; 4 miles southwest of Mineral, VA; 41 miles northwest of Richmond, VA; and 83 miles southwest of Washington, DC. Depth of earthquake is report at approximately .6 mile.

FEMA has approved federal disaster assistance for individuals, renters and business owners in Louisa County who experienced damage as a result of a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Virginia on Aug. 23 and caused more than 40 aftershocks. The governor appealed FEMA’s initial decision to deny federal disaster aid to Louisa County.

Since the original request was made Sept. 20, officials have found more extensive damage than what was originally reported in more than 1,400 homes. Some damage that was first categorized as minor has become worse as a result of more than 40 aftershocks. The appeal included a letter from Virginia’s entire congressional delegation supporting the request.

Individuals and families in need of earthquake recovery aid can register immediately by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) Monday –Friday from 6 a.m. – midnight Central time, 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Eastern time. People also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov . Those with smart phones or other mobile devices also can register at m.fema.gov.

Get current information on Hurricane Irene in the Disaster Blog .

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