Over the last week, West Virginia was impacted by severe storms that caused flooding in multiple counties. The Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department reported flooding unlike anything anyone in the community has experienced. Residents were rescued from their roofs and witnessed vehicles being swept away. A Red Cross Disaster Action Team consisting of five volunteers were deployed to help secure shelter for those evacuated. Warmed by a Red Cross blanket they worked with our caseworkers and were able to provide resources for food and clothing while addressing their medical needs. Then in the morning on July 14 Lincoln County was hit with a severe thunderstorm that caused additional flooding. Seventy West Virginia Red Cross workers have assisted 310 people in 112 households, including 56 in Wood County and 31 in Lincoln County since July 13. Other counties impacted include Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Logan, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam and Webster Counties. There have been almost 1,500 meals and snacks served. More than 2,600 clean-up kits, comfort kits and bulk items have been distributed. The American Red Cross will now assist families as they start to develop and implement their recovery. The purpose is to assist clients in bridging the gap between what they can accomplish on their own and what resources may be available to assist them as they move through the recovery process. A West Virginia Red Cross Recovery Team has been formed to assist families. The team will also coordinate and support community leaders; government and relief agencies as they organize and execute an effective recovery strategy. These families may need permanent housing, home repair, transportation, mold remediation, cleanup and debris removal, private bridge repair or replacement, restoration of water well function, replace or repair of durable, necessary household goods and other needs as identified in the case management process. During the disaster response the Red Cross also assisted nine families who experienced a home fire including a Huntington multi-family residence. As well as supporting over 100 first responders during a search and rescue operation in Boone County on July 18. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. In West Virginia, visit redcrosswv.org or visit us on Twitter at @ARCWV.
