2 flooding deaths confirmed in Upshur County
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BUCKHANNON - Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office confirmed Thursday afternoon that two people who had been reported missing after Tuesday night’s severe storms are in fact deceased.
No names have been released. Officials said identification is still pending and family members are being notified. These are the first confirmed fatalities during the flooding.
On Thursday morning, Morrisey had announced that rescue teams in Upshur County were searching for two individuals who had been reported missing after Tuesday night’s severe storms and flooding.
"During the search and recovery operations, members of the West Virginia State Police located an overturned vehicle in Upshur County that's believed to be connected to two individuals who are reported missing," the governor said Thursday morning during a press conference in Buckhannon.
Morrisey added that dangerous weather and flood conditions have hampered search efforts, as has debris from the flood.
"Once responders are able to safely complete the operation, and there's been formal identification as well as notification of next of kin, we will release additional information," the governor said.
He noted that more than 100 people had been rescued by emergency crews, including a 77-year-old.
More than 500 National Guard troops have been sent to the area, including more than 300 in Upshur County and about 200 in Lewis County, officials said.
Statewide, the Division of Highways has 3,100 employees working on flood recovery efforts, using more than 300 pieces of heavy equipment.
Volunteers have committed hundreds of hours to recovery efforts in the Upshur County region, and donations of supplies continue to pour in.
The Buckhannon Church of the Nazarene opened the church building to those who needed shelter after the devastating storm. A volunteer told The Inter-Mountain Thursday that the shelter housed 57 temporarily displaced local residents Tuesday night.
The volunteer said police and EMS continued to bring people in to the shelter throughout that first night. Going forward, church officials are planning to continue to help the situation by serving as a "resource hub" for the local community. Many supply donations have already been dropped off at the church, located on Zicks Run Road.
Lewis County High School was also established as an emergency shelter Tuesday night, and later Philippi Middle School was utilized as a shelter as well, officials said.
Upshur County and City of Buckhannon officials announced that the Office of Emergency Management will be accepting donations of water and cleaning supplies at the Auxiliary Gymnasium on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The drop-off point will be in the oval by the fountain, in front of the chapel, on Camden Avenue.
Other donation drop-off locations include Elkins Auto, Jenkins Ford in Buckhannon, Harry Green Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in White Hall, and Jenkins Hyundai Subaru in Bridgeport.
Officials say supplies most needed include bottled water and nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and diapers and formula.
On Thursday, a West Virginia Army National Guard press release stated, "As floodwaters continue to recede, residents are asked to begin placing flood‑affected debris and damaged household items at the curb. Early staging will allow coordinated debris removal to begin as soon as the designated dump site is established, anticipated as early as (Thursday). This activity is a county‑wide initiative.
"Regular City Waste Collection services will resume today, operating one day behind schedule. Crews will run the Wednesday route first. Please be patient--some areas may remain difficult or impossible for trucks to access safely."
The Randolph County Democratic Party will be delivering supplies to Upshur and Barbour counties to help with clean-up on Sunday. Donations can be dropped off from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Sunday across from the Elkins Fire Department.
Needed items include cleaning supplies (disinfecting bleach, sponges, mops, clean rags and general cleaning detergents), bottled water, personal hygiene items, contractor trash bags and buckets. To set up another drop-off time, email info@randolphcountydems.com.
Citizen Bank of West Virginia is collecting donated flood relief supplies at all of its financial centers. Needed items include cleaning supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food, hygiene items, baby supplies, and first aid products. The Buckhannon Citizen Bank of West Virginia financial center is currently closed due to flooding impacts. Donations may be dropped off at any of the other locations, and the Buckhannon financial center will begin accepting donations once it reopens.
Jimbo’s Place in Buckhannon has flood relief supplies available for pickup at 6 N. Kanawha St., and will be open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. through Sunday night. The effort was organized by Audrey Lawson, an Elkins Jimbo’s Place employee, and her friend Megan Currence.
A North Carolina nonprofit group has announced it is bringing trained mules to the area to carry supplies to places inaccessible to vehicles due to flood damage.
Mission Mules is staging its effort in Davis, in Tucker County, saying it can provide help in Upshur, Barbour and Lewis County if officials request their help.
The Mission Mules program began in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as Mountain Mule Packers ventured into the rugged, inaccessible terrain of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee with their team of mules.
"We deliver essential supplies - food, water, medical equipment, and other vital necessities - to those most in need following natural disasters," officials stated on the Mission Mules website.