Following the disastrous train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the area has been refused FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assoc)assistance. The community is not receiving federal assistance from the Department of Transportation, Mr. Buttigieg. The residents held a town hall meeting on Wednesday, February 15. Residents packed the gymnasium to voice their concerns.
Town Hall Meeting
Residents showed up in long lines at the town hall meeting, which was held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. They noted first that no one from the Biden administration showed up. The East Palestine mayor did not show up. Although previously staying that a representative would be present, the Norfolk Southern Railroad did not make an appearance. When asked why they answered
We have become increasingly concerned about the growing physical threat to our employees [1].
This meeting was scheduled for residents to voice their concerns. These people want the truth about the hazardous material that was under a controlled burn that killed animals and fish. These same chemicals are causing illnesses and rashes among the townspeople.
No FEMA
The residents are ineligible for FEMA as their houses were not destroyed, as in a tornado or hurricane [2] [3]. The houses are chemically contaminated, and many residents have been staying at hotels paid for by the railroad.
Health Concerns
Although the EPA is working in the area to determine health risks, the residents are fearful. Earlier, Governor DeVine remarked that he would be drinking bottled water if he lived there. Now, the EPA says that the air is clean, and so is the water. Nonetheless, Senator Vance wants the EPA to prove their words by drinking the water from East Palestine themselves.
Meanwhile, Kathy Dyke, who was among hundreds of residents at the meeting, said,
We all just want answers [4].
Notes:
- ^increasingly concerned about the growing physical threat to our employees (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11759845/Ohio-Governor-says-FEMA-wont-grant-help-East-Palestine-train-derailment.html (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11759845/Ohio-Governor-says-FEMA-wont-grant-help-East-Palestine-train-derailment.html (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/ohio-train-derailment-east-palestine-town-hall-meeting/95-09846809-9498-46b5-98b2-daf310d0ec7d (go back ↩)
