State and federal officials are praising the approval of expedited federal disaster assistance for West Virginia flood victims while emphasizing that the recovery effort will continue for months as communities rebuild from the July 21 storms.

President Donald Trump approved West Virginia’s request for expedited Individual Assistance, making at least $4.5 million in federal funding available to eligible homeowners and renters in Lewis and Upshur counties, the two areas hardest hit by the flooding.

Five additional counties that applied for disaster assistance remain under review as the Federal Emergency Management Agency continues evaluating damage.

State Sen. Ben Queen, R-Harrison, called the approval an important first step for communities recovering from the devastation.

“I am grateful to President Trump for acting quickly to approve West Virginia’s expedited federal disaster declaration and provide $4.5 million in initial assistance to communities impacted by the devastating storms and flooding,” Queen said in a statement.

Queen also thanked Gov. Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia’s congressional delegation and local officials for their efforts in securing assistance and responding to residents’ needs.

“This is an important first step, but we know the work is far from over,” Queen said. “Our hardest-hit communities face a long road as they continue to clean up, rebuild and recover.”

U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., also thanked Trump for approving the disaster declaration and providing federal funding for flood recovery.

“Huge thanks to President Donald J. Trump for backing West Virginia’s disaster declaration and approving $4.5 million in critical flood relief,” Justice said. “Our state was hit hard, but we are resilient. We are grateful for the funding, and we will rebuild stronger than ever.”

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said the funding will help communities begin the rebuilding process after the storms.

“Thank you, President Trump, for approving West Virginia’s disaster declaration, delivering $4.5 million for our communities impacted by the devastating storms just two weeks ago,” Capito said. “These funds will allow areas of our state that were hit the hardest to begin rebuilding and help communities recover stronger in the weeks and months ahead.”

Queen said residents affected by the flooding should continue documenting damage and completing available surveys as assessments continue. He said the information will help officials determine the full impact of the flooding and support requests for additional federal resources.

Recovery crews, including the West Virginia Division of Highways and West Virginia National Guard, continue removing debris from affected communities. Emergency management officials and FEMA representatives remain on the ground working with state and local officials to assess damage and determine additional assistance needs.

Severe storms beginning July 21 caused catastrophic flooding across parts of North Central West Virginia, damaging homes, businesses, roads and other infrastructure. Officials have said additional federal assistance could become available as damage assessments continue.