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Over the coming days and weeks, the men and women of the Ohio Valley will do what they do best -- come together with a common goal of helping those folks most in need.
We're seeing that right now as the Ohio River continues receding following one of the worst floods in its history. According to historical flood data, the river's crest Thursday at 41.49 feet marks the 26th-highest flood stage in the past 100-plus years. That's something to consider. This year's flood was the worst in terms of the river level since January 2005, when ice jams pushed the level to 42.17 feet. Of course, that 2005 flood came just months after Hurricane Ivan dumped about 10 inches of rain on our region in just 24 hours, with the river reaching 45.3 feet in September 2004.
Let's be thankful we didn't see that again.
But now the real work begins -- cleaning up and helping the folks in neighborhoods such as Wheeling Island clean out their homes and put their lives back together. The only positive of a river flood is that there's time to prepare; residents can get their belongings to higher ground, get their hot water tanks, heaters, washers and dryers disconnected, and wait and watch as the water slowly rises. But then it's time to get everything back where it belongs -- and that's where we all can help.
We've seen that neighbor-helping-neighbor mentality that makes the Ohio Valley so special already in action. This past week, folks who were not being impacted by the flooding headed to Wheeling Island and other flood-prone neighborhoods to help get items out of basements. There were church groups and families, individuals are others; all showing up to lend assistance in a time of need.
That's great -- no, that's excellent.
It also shows that, no matter what we're being told, we're really not divided.
That's something for everyone to remember.
If you're able, find a way to help. Donate your time and talents. Show up and offer assistance. Help people in need.
It's what we're called to do -- we must never forget that.
If you need assistance or would like to help:
– Non-Emergency Calls:
304-234-3711
– Ohio County Emergency Management Agency:
304-234-3757
– Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department:
304-234-3682
– Basement pumping:
304-234-3711
– Tetanus shot:
304-234-3682
– Flood cleanup kits:
304-233-4640
– Volunteers/donations:
304-233-4640