This week, a new report finds the number of black lung cases is at its highest since the 1970s. The human cost is high. Also, the author of a new book says reintroducing nearly extinct animals back into the wild can boost damaged ecosystems, but they can't repair them. And, roadside attractions pay tribute to our enduring fascination with weird.
High waters are creating dangerous conditions in southern West Virginia. Dispatchers say some residents are being evacuated.
Emergency dispatchers in Wyoming County say that the rainfall Wednesday morning caused a mudslide. One resident in Jesse told dispatchers that part of the mountain slid into their residence. Deputies are on scene evaluating the situation.
Several roads in Wyoming County including route 971 in front of Westside High School are closed. Students were not in class because board members made the proactive decision to cancel school Wednesday, anticipating high waters in the region.
Some roads are also closed in Raleigh County due to high waters including parts of Airport Road between the Mining Academy and the Raleigh County Airport. Traffic is being rerouting because dispatchers say parts of the road have caved in.
Dispatchers also say about 10 homes were evacuated from Violet Lane in Beaver because of rising waters.
Video by Mel Petrey, standing on the bridge by Beaver hardware in Raleigh County.
Some roads in Mercer County are also closed. McDowell County officials are currently out in the region to assess the damage while Summers County is reporting no issues at this time.
Dispatchers throughout the region are bracing for more flood conditions.
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