It’s been 10 days now since flash flooding devastated the lives of most of those living in the Valley Grove and Triadelphia communities. Much work has been done since the floodwater ravaged those communities in the evening of June 14 to help those living there start to rebuild; but so much more work remains.

Homeowners need help cleaning out basements; businesses need help rebuilding; supplies — cleaning, paper products, food, water — are in abundance right now, but the need still will be there as we move ahead; the West Virginia National Guard and other national disaster relief organizations here to help will, at some point, return to their homes.

That’s where our local community has to continue to step in and assist. We saw such an outpouring of love and support last week for the victims. Youngsters joined forces to take on the tough and dirty task of mucking out basements and homes; folks gathered at local churches and other distribution points to provide for those in need; counselors were available to assist those having a hard time rationalizing what happened. That effort has to continue, as this process will take months.

In the meantime, we can never forget the nine victims claimed that night of June 14 and in the early morning hours of June 15. Funeral services for some of those victims are taking place this week. Today, there will be services for Travis Creighton, 19, at Kepner Funeral Home in Elm Grove. Creighton’s final act was to ensure his mother made it to safety.

Also today, Kyleigh and Parker Shotton will have services at Altmeyer Funeral Home in Elm Grove. Other victims already have been laid to rest — and there will be more services in the coming days. This is all part of the grieving process, and the families, friends and neighbors of these blessed souls will need this community’s support.

For those not directly impacted by the flooding, do not think that now, as the recovery in those communities continues, our job is done. Do not think that just because there are people there to help, we all still don’t have work to do. The need will be great for those impacted for months to come. The emotional toll — particularly as the initial whirlwind dies down –will hit at some point. We must be there to offer our support and love to those of our community in need.