SW Virginia is cleaning up after Helene devastation

• Gov. Youngkin toured the region over the weekend to assess the damage. The Biden administration immediately approved Youngkin's emergency request for federal assistance for seven localities: the City of Galax plus Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties.
• Youngkin said he expects federal resources for more Virginia counties will be added in the coming days.

Zoom in: One person in Tazewell County was killed by a large tree while cleaning debris and a woman in Craig County died after being struck by a barn, Cardinal News reported.

• Around 200,000 people were without power Saturday morning at the height of outages. Some won't see it restored until late Tuesday night.
• Wind speeds reached 40 mph for six-to-eight-hour stretches, in some places gusting at 60 mph, downing thousands of trees.
• Across the region, first responders conducted more than than 70 rescues, including water rescues of 16 people, two dogs and a seven cats, per Youngkin's office.
• Virginia State Police also helped with helicopter rescues of around 50 people stranded on the roof of a hospital in Eastern Tennessee.

What they're saying: "There's a lot of work ahead, but together, I know Southwest Virginia will rebuild stronger than ever," Youngkin said in a statement.

What's next: FEMA will be in the region Tuesday to assess damage and accept requests for assistance from additional counties stretching as far west as Radford and Bedford, per Cardinal News.

• If you need assistance, contact your local emergency management office.
• How to help: The United Way of Southwest Virginia started a fund to assist affected counties.