Extreme flooding that struck the Buckhannon/Weston area of north central West Virginia last week is responsible for at least two deaths and the displacement of nearly a thousand families around the Buckhannon-Weston area.
Last Wednesday, July 22, Morgan County Sheriff Johnnie Walter answered a call for help and supplies from his counterpart, the sheriff in Upshur County.
With the assistance of County Administrator Misty Clingerman, county employees gathered a pickup truck and SUV load of materials that county law enforcement officers delivered to needed areas.
Sheriff Walter reported that the vehicles were loaded with cleaning supplies, dog food, water and other essentials.
photo courtesy of Morgan County Sheriff’s Department
“Upon arrival, Deputy B. Knotts, Deputy R. Diehl, and I spent the day reaching out to affected residents, distributing flyers, providing water, and responding to calls for service. The people of Upshur County expressed great appreciation for the support they are receiving—not only from Morgan County but from across the entire state,” he said in a social media post about the delivery and assistance.
Flood recovery efforts are ongoing this week with the assistance of West Virginia Army National Guard units, Division of Highways crews, private volunteers and civic organizations from around the state and country. Homes, churches, schools and businesses were filled with flood water that has left behind thick mud and damaged items that must be removed.
More than 100 people were rescued from high water situations during Tuesday night’s severe storms that dropped 4.5 inches of rain in about 37 minutes in the height of the storm, according to WV Metro News.
The Buckhannon and West Fork Rivers run through the centers of Buckhannon and Weston.
Governor Patrick Morrissey has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Upshur and Lewis counties, plus public assistance for Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties.
Sheriff Walter said on Tuesday that Lewis County has now issued a call for assistance in dealing with looters and manning flood relief distribution points. Walter said he wants to help within his department’s capacity to do so, as that could be Morgan County at any time.
“The WV Sheriff’s Association has tremendous support throughout the state and as our Executive Director, Rodney Miller, always says one call and the Calvary is coming from all over. Through the association every county has an MOU that allows us to assist in any county during an emergency. It is a great network of some of the best law enforcement agencies I have ever worked with,” Walter said.
Donations to Upshur and Lewis Counties have stocked several distribution centers in the area. Local emergency officials say those who want to assist can contact the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate teams of volunteers willing to lend a hand in recovery efforts.
