Gov. Patrick Morrisey is seeking an expedited federal disaster declaration after storms and flooding devastated West Virginia. The request would aid residents and governments in seven counties, with more than 950 homes reporting damage.
Update: Officials clarified Sunday evening that the National Guard will not be leaving the area on Tuesday. Please disregard this press release. Original: Buckhannon residents must place flood-damaged debris at the curb by noon Tuesday, July 28, for National Guard pickup.
Residents are urged to place flood-damaged debris at the curb immediately so West Virginia Army National Guard units can continue countywide pickup and removal.
Secretary of State Kris Warner is urging West Virginia businesses to support flood recovery in Lewis and Upshur counties. Contractors, volunteers, equipment, supplies and financial assistance are needed to help communities recover and rebuild.
West Virginia’s flood recovery effort includes 352 National Guard personnel, more than 2,600 Division of Highways employees and more than 1,700 registered volunteers. Preliminary assessments identified damage to approximately 151 homes in Upshur County.
The West Virginia Wesleyan College Auxiliary Gymnasium is serving as a centralized hub for flood relief supplies. Donations are being accepted daily, and residents impacted by flooding can pick up needed items daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
West Virginia State Police identified Judy A. Young, 59, and James J. Harper, 61, as the victims found Thursday in a vehicle swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters.
Traveling Dawgz, First United Methodist Church and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church have announced additional meal service in Buckhannon from Sunday through Friday.
Officials are asking anyone who knows of someone still missing after flooding in Buckhannon and Upshur County to report it to the Office of Emergency Management. Recovery efforts continue as crews remove debris and coordinate relief supplies and volunteers.
Buckhannon and Upshur County officials seek essential supplies for residents affected by recent flooding. Donations are accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and all aid and volunteer offers must be coordinated at 304-472-4983.
