Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, impacted by the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern Railway freight train derailment that caused lingering fires and spilled toxic chemicals will not receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)—at least for now—according to Gov. Mike DeWine.

Almost two weeks after a Norfolk Southern Railway train derailed in the village located just west of the Pennsylvania state line, the Ohio governor requested federal assistance for residents dealing with the aftermath.

Since the crash, many residents have said they are experiencing headaches, skin rashes, sore throat, vomiting, and other ailments.

FEMA declined to help because East Palestine isn’t eligible for disaster assistance, DeWine spokesperson Dan Tierney said on Feb. 16. FEMA said the derailment and subsequent chemical spill and controlled burn that sent toxic chemicals into the air don’t qualify as a traditional disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, he added.

“The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support. However, FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time,” a Feb. 16 statement from DeWine’s office said. “Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided.”

FEMA is “in constant contact with the emergency operations center in East Palestine and with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency,” FEMA spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said.

“We are closely coordinating with EPA, HHS, and the CDC, who are helping to test water and air quality, and to conduct public health assessments.”

President Joe Biden spoke with DeWine on Feb. 16 and pledged support for clean-up and monitoring, according to the governor’s office.

“As a result of this conversation, the governor has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Emergency Response Team, and the CDC to provide on-the-ground assistance in East Palestine,” according to a statement from DeWine’s office.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will assist with health care costs of East Palestine residents, Tierney noted. On-the-ground support will be offered by the CDC.

Earlier on Feb. 16, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) encouraged DeWine to declare the Feb. 3 crash a disaster, a decision that would allow the state to receive additional federal resources.

“Additional federal resources can and should play a critical role in helping our fellow Ohioans get back on their feet and ensure that their community is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” Brown said.

On Feb. 3, a 150-car Norfolk Southern Railway freight train was passing through East Palestine when 50 of the cars derailed, including 11 containing hazardous chemicals.