Commissioners in one of the areas hardest hit by Feb. 15 flooding that ravaged West Virginia are asking for assistance in clearing their waterways. It is critical, they say, to prevent a similar catastrophe in the future.
Three people were killed in flooding that washed away homes and cars and wiped out bridges in the county.
Recovery from the torrential rains is well underway. But nearly three months later, the county commission says there is a long way to go – and they need help to prevent more floods.
“We still have families that are still struggling with the loss of the bridges going to the residence, we’ve got several those within the county,” Commission President Michael Brooks said.
“In Gary, (we lost) a little bridge there that gave access to 10 homes, where the people are having to walk the railroad tracks to their vehicles,” Brooks said.
In the middle of streams, car parts, trailers and trees have all piled up to form islands of debris that will push rain waters to land, Brooks added.
The county is one of seven that has been approved for individual and public assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA). But county commissioners have sent a resolution requesting help in clearing the clogged streams and creeks.
“The resolution that we did was asking that our state government as well as our federal partners assist us in finding ways that we can revitalize the streams here in McDowell County that will enable the streams to actually stay within its banks and not continue to eat away at roadways, infrastructure, things like that,” Brooks said.
The governor’s office and multiple state agencies have been responsive, Brooks said, and he added that churches and volunteers have also stepped up – but he is hopeful even more help will be coming.