Biden urged to declare disaster over East Palestine train derailment

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
4 Jul 2023 08:41

The plea comes more than five months after a Norfolk Southern Railway train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.

Smoke rises from a derailed cargo train in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 4, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called on US President Joe Biden to declare a major disaster in the aftermath of February's toxic train derailment in East Palestine.

Officials are still dealing with the disaster's repercussions since locals have reported feeling unwell and have noticed animals becoming ill and fish dying in bodies of water.

Despite being described as one of the worst ecological disasters to hit the #US, the train derailment in #Ohio isn't getting enough media coverage. Instead, suspected #UFOs are getting all the attention. pic.twitter.com/cRgZ19FyTF
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 15, 2023

Although DeWine claimed in a letter to Biden that "no unmet needs have been reported" to the state, there remained a chance that Norfolk Southern, the railroad operator, may eventually stop offering its volunteer assistance.

A disaster declaration "is needed to ensure that the state and federal government use all resources available to step in and provide the community with needed assistance," DeWine said.

"Because of the unique nature of this incident, the state is still working to identify current needs and evaluate the future impacts this disaster will have on individuals and the community," he added.

"I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary," he further stressed.

DeWine stated that in order to address the incident's consequences on the local community's physical and mental health, the Ohio Department of Health has collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services to open a clinic there.

"However, the long-term health impacts are unknown," he warned.

"In addition to the physical and mental health impacts, there have been economic impacts. Homeowners and businesses have seen property value decline and loss of business as people are hesitant to come into the community," he concluded.

In the same context, independent American journalist Nick Sortor slammed Joe Biden for his neglect of the victims of the chemical disaster in Ohio and proposed relocating a portion of the money designated for Ukraine's lethal aid to the casualties of the chemical disaster in Ohio during an interview for Sputnik last February.

"You think about the amount of money he sent to Ukraine. Right? We are talking about over 100 billion dollars. He has the ability to do that… to fix this issue and make sure the kids are safe and breathing clean air," Sortor said.