CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Homeland Security Secretary Rob Cunningham says West Virginia’s request for federal disaster assistance in connection with the recent flooding is different than the initial immediate request from the State of Kentucky.

West Virginia is still waiting on approval from the federal government for an emergency disaster declaration filed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R-WV) earlier this week.

The declaration allows the federal government to provide funds to individuals with flood damages, state and local government agencies, and some nonprofits.

President Donald Trump on Monday approved expedited disaster assistance for individuals and local governments in 10 Kentucky counties after widespread flooding, said Gov. Andy Beshear. The counties are Breathitt,

During the briefing, Beshear referred to the flooding as a "painful, difficult disaster" and reiterated how this was one of the worst disasters to hit Kentucky in years as the death total has risen to 22.

President Donald J. Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Kentucky following flooding and severe winter weather earlier this month.