Flood Response Efforts Shifting To ‘Long-Term Recovery’
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BUCKHANNON - Hundreds of professional personnel are continuing flood response efforts in Upshur and Lewis counties, although the focus is shifting "from emergency response to long-term recovery," Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced.
“From the moment these storms hit, our focus has been protecting lives, restoring critical services, and helping our communities recover,” Morrisey said in a press release. “Thanks to the tireless work of our first responders, state agencies, local officials, volunteers, and utility crews, we’ve made tremendous progress. While there is still work to do, we’re moving from emergency response to long-term recovery.”
The governor said the West Virginia National Guard has 201 personnel and 67 vehicles deployed across the affected region, with additional personnel and Division of Highways vehicles expanding debris removal operations. The teams have removed nearly 3,000 tons of debris, reopening roads and helping communities begin the recovery process. Operations continue in Lewis, Upshur and Pleasants counties, with additional resources arriving to accelerate cleanup, the release states.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection now has 143 personnel and 141 vehicles and pieces of equipment supporting recovery operations, including debris management sites in Lewis, Upshur and Barbour counties that are now accepting flood debris from residents.
Utility restoration is nearing completion, with only a handful of outages remaining across the hardest-hit counties, the governor said. Water service has also been fully restored to customers served by the Mount Hope Water Association in Upshur County.
"The West Virginia State Police continue increased patrols throughout affected communities to deter looting and support local law enforcement," the release states. "The state Division of Natural Resources has shifted focus to neighborhood checks, supply deliveries, damage assessments, and assisting residents while continuing to provide specialized equipment and personnel where needed."
Morrisey said West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the American Red Cross, faith-based organizations, and local volunteers continue "muck-out operations, (and to) distribute supplies, coordinate long-term recovery planning, and assist residents with unmet needs."
The American Red Cross has completed more than 900 damage assessments, the release states.
On Tuesday, Upshur County officials coordinating the countywide flood‑relief donation center at West Virginia Wesleyan College said several items currently in excess supply are not needed at this time. This update followed an on‑site inventory review conductedTuesday with donation‑center staff.
Officials said the following items are fully stocked and should not be donated until further notice: Bottled water, small diapers, paper towels, toilet paper, bleach, all-purpose cleaners, potato chips, clothing (the donation center does not accept clothing), hand sanitizer, paper plates and bowls, plastic cutlery, wipes, brooms and pet bowls.
"These items have reached maximum storage capacity, and additional quantities cannot be accommodated," officials said in a press release.
Items still needed include shop vacuums, box fans and dehumidifiers.
All donations should be delivered to the coordinated relief site at: West Virginia Wesleyan College - Auxiliary Gymnasium Public Drop‑Off: Parking lot at 151 Cebe Ross Drive, near the Auxiliary Gymnasium.