Gov. Jim Justice Due to significant rainfall that occurred over the weekend and this morning, Gov. Jim Justice today proclaimed a State of Emergency in West Virginia and for the counties of Kanawha, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, and Roane. The rain is significantly flooding the counties, inflicting harm to homes, bridges, and roadways.
Gov. Jim Justice today proclaimed a State of Emergency in West Virginia and for the counties of Kanawha, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, and Roane (Photo: WDTV)
State of Emergency in West Virginia Declared
In collaboration with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, the State of Emergency in West Virginia National Guard assets, such as the All-Hazards Swift Water Rescue Team and aerial assets like the UH-72 Lakota and UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters, are currently activated and preparing for emergency dispatch. The Joint Operations Center (JOC) for the WVNG is fully operational. As needed, more personnel and equipment will be mobilized to help with reaction and recovery activities.
The Governor has instructed the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to carry out the West Virginia Emergency Operations Plan as necessary, mobilize the necessary personnel and resources to respond to the emergency, and facilitate the delivery of crucial emergency services as part of this State of Emergency in West Virginia declaration.
In addition to FEMA, VOAD, and local officials, the State of Emergency in West Virginia by Management Division and the West Virginia Division of Highways are responding to this incident to help those who need assistance.
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A Flash Flood as a State of Emergency
The National Weather Service in Charleston reports that significant flash floods have occurred in central West Virginia as a result of the weekend’s and Monday’s heavy rain making the Governor declare a State of Emergency in West Virginia.
According to local sources, the magnificent Appalachian highlands are being engulfed in murky water, enclosing streets, homes, and automobiles. According to the weather service, Chesapeake, Cedar Grove, and Winifrede areas were particularly badly struck.
Officials declared a flash flood as a state of emergency in West Virginia and Kanawha County after it received 3 to 6 inches of rain alone on Monday.
