Two deaths reported as flood recovery continues in northern counties

By Matthew Young

Search and rescue efforts continued Thursday in parts of north-central West Virginia, after the catastrophic flooding that took place between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. The West Virginia National Guard remains on-scene in support of local emergency workers, and at least six water rescues have been performed. 

“Roads are reopening, power is being restored, debris is being cleared, and damage assessments are getting underway,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said through a press release on Thursday. “We will continue bringing every available state resource to bear until these communities are back on their feet.” 

In a statement released Thursday evening, Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Quinn Queen confirmed that two fatalities have been reported. 

Taking to social media, Queen said, “At this time, there are no missing or unaccounted-for persons in Lewis County. Regrettably, two individuals have been confirmed deceased in Upshur County.” 

Both Upshur and Lewis Counties remain under a State of Emergency.

Morrisey reminded those impacted by the flooding “to visit the Disaster Survey on the West Virginia Emergency Management’s Division page to register property damage to be eligible for FEMA assistance.”

In addition, Morrisey’s press release stated, “Statewide power outages have declined to roughly 6,100 customers. Public health teams are also supporting communities experiencing drinking water disruptions in Upshur, Lewis, and Barbour counties through bottled water distribution, infrastructure coordination, and vaccinations for responders.”

Area shelters are working to provide temporary lodging for displaced residents, while Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) are coordinating the efforts of more than 80 organizations providing meals, clean-up teams, and donations. 

For those wishing to make a donation toward relief efforts, the West Virginia United Way has established the Lewis/Upshur Flood Relief Fund, where financial contributions can be made online. For those in the Huntington area, physical donations can be dropped off at 530 10th Avenue behind the fish statue. All goods will be dropped off to the West Virginia Radio Corporation truck in Charleston by 6 p.m. on Friday, meaning donations must be made by 4 p.m. It is asked that clothing and blankets are not donated, as there is currently no way to maintain cleanliness.

Additionally, the Upshur County Office of Emergency Management will be accepting donations, beginning Friday at 10 a.m., at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Auxiliary Gymnasium. Water and cleaning supplies will be accepted.

BBG will provide further updates regarding the recovery efforts in north-central West Virginia as additional details are made available.