WVDHSEM Director Jimmy Gianato said in a news release that the state Medical Examiner’s Office revised its number of deaths related to the floods down to 23. That total includes 20 confirmed fatalities and 3 people missing.
The revision came after two people thought to have been swept away in a camper in Greenbrier County and had been presumed dead were found alive, according to the news release.
Fatality totals by county now include 15 from Greenbrier (12 confirmed, three missing and presumed dead), six in Kanawha, and one each in Jackson and Ohio counties.)
Shortly after 2 p.m., the National Weather Service in Charleston issued a flash flood warning for southern Roane County, southeastern Calhoun County, Clay County and Braxton County. The warning is in effect until 5 p.m.
This morning, the weather service had issued a flash flood watch for many areas in West Virginia from 9 a.m. into this evening. Counties affected include Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Gilmer, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Wayne, Webster, Wirt and Wyoming.
The heaviest rain should occur from about 2 through 8 p.m.
Michael Charnick, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the thunderstorms expected are capable of producing heavy downpours and if any areas are hit multiple times, they could see an inch to two inches of rain.
“That would be enough to cause some additional flooding,” he said, adding that the flooding would not be expected to be as severe as last week but some road closures could be possible.
He said about 11 a.m. Monday that a couple thunderstorms were already developing in Greenbrier and Summers County.
The Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center also remains open as emergency officials continue to work with first responders in the hardest-hit areas of Clendenin, Elkview, Pinch and Frame, according to a news release.
Clendenin remains shut down to everyone except first responders and residents.
About 8,000 Appalachian Power customers remained without power Monday morning. That total included about 2,400 in Kanawha County, 2,000 in Roane County, 1,700 in Clay County and 1,000 in Greenbrier County.
About 2,000 MonPower customers, including about 1,400 in Greenbrier County, were without power.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also sending people to Kanawha, Greenbrier and Nicholas counties to help ensure employers and others engaged in clean-up efforts avoid safety hazards, according to a news release sent Monday.
Nicholas County Commission President Ken Altizer couldn’t stay on the phone long Monday, as his county is still reeling from the disaster and actively working on recovery efforts.
He said shelters have been set up at Richwood Town Hall, Summersville Baptist Church, Wilderness Fire Department, and Birch River Elementary School. Supply distribution centers have been set up at Jordan Chapel in Canvas, Birch River Elementary School, and Wilderness Volunteer Fire Department. They are in the process of setting one up in Summersville.
The Red Cross is distributing hot meals, and the National Guard is assisting in hauling debris and bringing food and water to affected locations. Altizer said a personal disaster assistance team is also available to help affected residents with their mental health needs in the aftermath of the trauma.
He said county officials haven’t yet determined how many homes were destroyed but he estimated it would be hundreds.
“I can tell you this,” he said. “In Nallen, near the Fayette County line, there’s probably not 30 homes down there. Probably 17 of them are completely gone.”
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of looting in that area, according to a news release.
“The Nallen/Russellville area suffered extensive damage during the recent floods,” the release states. “Many citizens of this area have lost everything. We are now receiving reports of looters and thieves coming into the area. This WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.”
The release said sheriff’s deputies would begin extra patrols, and county residents were also carrying guns patrolling the area.
“Anyone we catch looting will be arrested and jailed,” Sheriff Steve Kessler said in a statement. “If the residents of this area catch you first, you may not make it to jail.”
Kanawha County officials have released several ways victims of the flooding can receive assistance.
Those with significant damage to their property can call Kanawha County Planning at 304-357-0570 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to report the damage.
Residents that have been affected by the floods can also go to the Clendenin exit to receive cleaning kits, food and water. Those who need assistance with debris removal and cleanup can call 1-800-451-1954.
Those who would like to donate supplies or time may contact the WV VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). VOAD offers an online volunteer registration at https://wvvoad.communityos.org/cms/home.
Four debris collection locations have been opened: Clendenin Family Medicine at 8008 Elk River Road N. in Clendenin, Elkview Middle School at 5090 Elk River Road N. in Elkview, Elkview Park & Ride at the Frame Road exit, and Clendenin Park & Ride at the Clendenin exit. These sites will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. People are asked to separate their debris. Appliances and large bulky objects should be separate from garbage or bags of trash.
Cooling stations are across from Clendenin Post Office on Maywood Avenue and Smith’s Foodfair in Elkview.
West Virginia American Water has bulk water tankers at Dollar General on Maywood Avenue in Clendenin, Smith’s Foodfair in Clendenin, Herbert Hoover High School, Clendenin Park & Ride at Clendenin exit off Interstate 79. People should bring their own containers to fill.
A temporary animal shelter has been set up at the Interstate 79 Clendenin interstate exit. Pets will be accepted at this temporary shelter and then taken to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.
Capital High School remains open as a shelter for those affected by severe flooding.
Due to flooding, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has been unable to reopen the Elkview detachment at the community center, according to a news release from Sgt. Brian Humphreys. Patrols in the area will continue. Humphreys said patrols have actually increased in the area in an effort to prevent and stop looting.
Taxes may be paid at the other four detachments, at the county courthouse, or online at http://www.kanawhasheriff.us.
To reach the Kanawha County Emergency Operations Center, call 304-746-8828.
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©2016 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
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