The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied a request from Kanawha and Fayette counties for individual assistance from Aug. 15 flooding that devastated some areas, county commissioners said.

Kanawha County commissioners said the federal agency sent a letter to West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Thursday saying that “it has been determined that the impact to the individuals and households in Fayette and Kanawha counties is not of the severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of individual assistance.”

The federal agency also said that it had been determined that the damage to the infrastructure in Kanawha County “was not of the severity and magnitude” to warrant the designation for public assistance.

Many residents reported that the flooding in Kanawha County on Aug. 15 was the worst they had ever experienced. County officials said more than 100 houses received flood damage in Campbells Creek and at least two bridges were washed out in the Hughes Creek area. Fayette County also was hammered, with Smithers getting hit particularly hard.

After the denial by FEMA, the Kanawha County Commission said it will be reaching out to the state’s congressional delegation to request assistance with an appeal and to seek additional aid for flood victims.

“Over 90 days ago, citizens of our state suffered a terrible flood,” Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said. “It is inexcusable and callous for the federal government to turn its back on these citizens. We will continue to reach out to the federal government to right this wrong.”

Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango said residents affected by the Aug. 15 deserve help from the federal government, noting that they can’t repair their homes on their own after flooding destroyed their HVAC systems, wiped away their personal belongings and damaged their foundations.

“They need relief, and we will continue to fight for them,” Salango said.