East Palestine train derailment: How state and national officials are responding
The derailment has become a major concern for residents of the community of 4,718, and surrounding communities.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and FEMA Region 5 Administrator Thomas C. Sivak have released a joint statement regarding the ongoing response to the Norfolk Southern train derailment and toxic chemicals that have been expelled into the air:
“FEMA and the State of Ohio have been in constant contact regarding emergency operations in East Palestine. U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA have been working together since day one. Tomorrow, FEMA will supplement federal efforts by deploying a Senior Response Official along with a Regional Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to support ongoing operations, including incident coordination and ongoing assessments of potential long-term recovery needs.”
The White House has also provided information regarding its response to the tragedy, which includes the deployment of EPA, Department of Health and Human Services, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention personnel, as well as the NTSB’s ongoing investigation.
According to The White House, the EPA is coordinating the oversight of Norfolk Southern’s soil remediation of the derailment site. Meanwhile, some residents are reporting sore throats — as others report visible chemicals in a nearby stream — including U.S. Senator J.D. Vance.
