Fatalities confirmed in McDowell County as flood recovery efforts continue

By Autumn Shelton, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Patrick Morrisey, on Tuesday, announced that there are two confirmed fatalities in McDowell County following the recent flooding. 

According to Morrisey, Donald and Debbie Griffin of Welch, have passed away. 

“We also know that there’s another individual that is still missing,” Morrisey said, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the individual, who has now been missing for several days.

Additionally, Morrisey said that one McDowell County firefighter has passed away. 

“As we get more details related to that, we’re going to pass them along,” Morrisey continued. 

Morrisey thanked all first responders and community members who are helping those who have been affected by the flood calling it “the West Virginia way.” 

“Yesterday, I did a tour in southern West Virginia to assess the damage firsthand, and I had a chance to meet some amazing people,” Morrisey said. “I first met some people who seemed to have lost everything, and these are some of the challenges that we go through right now. I want to send a message that the state is looking to do everything possible through its efforts and resources to be helpful.” 

Morrisey said that he has requested a federal disaster declaration to support recovery efforts. 

Although no exact numbers were available, Morrisey said that 60-65 high water rescues have been conducted. Also, 8,319 homes continue to be without power. 55,909 homes have been reconnected to power so far. 

“We know that over the next 72 hours, we’re expecting some difficult weather conditions yet again,” Morrisey said. “We know that we’re expecting several rounds of snow which are estimated to produce between 4-6 inches of snow along and south of the I-64 corridor. We know that some of the mountain counties could see snow of up to eight inches, but also below zero overnight temperatures.” 

Morrisey urged West Virginians to be safe and to use good judgement. 

“To the extent you can, stay in your home and be prepared for the next couple days,” Morrisey said. 

The West Virginia Department of Transportation continues to remove hazards from flooded areas, Morrisey continued, adding that Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo and Wayne counties have experienced roadslides, slips and washouts. 

Additionally, Fayette, Greenbrier, Monroe, Nicholas and Summers have high water in their communities and McDowell, Wyoming, Mercer and Raleigh counties continue to see significant flooding. 

“But, the water is receding with the road assessments and clearing underway,” Morrisey said, but there are still major road closures in Cabell, Braxton, Mercer, Mingo, McDowell, Wayne, Wyoming and Greenbrier counties. 

In Logan County, an abandoned mine has been discharging water, but it has “slowed considerably,” Morrisey said. 

“It is our understanding that it impacted one resident and two roads,” Morrisey said. “We don’t have any injuries reported from that, but we know that as the flow subsides, DEP is going to coordinate with the contractors to install a more permanent solution.” 

Also, 250 tetanus shot doses have been delivered to Williamson Memorial Hospital, according to Morrisey. 

“Williamson is still, in part, currently without water, with approximately 3,000 residents affected,” Morrisey stated. “McDowell County has about 2,000 residents without water.” 

Over 67,000 bottles of water have been delivered to residents in those areas, Morrisey continued. “I think that resources are starting to flow in from a lot of different places.” 

Boil water notices are still in effect for customers of the Williamson, McDowell, Kermit, Mingo and Crum Public Service Districts, Morrisey said, noting that local citizens as well as people from across the state and the nation have been donating resources to those in affected areas. 

Members of the National Guard have been assisting and coordinating emergency support offices during the flooding emergency working with other state agencies such as the DNR, Morrisey said. 

“I know overall the flooding situation remains unsafe and dangerous in a number of areas,” Morrisey said. “Once again, do not attempt to travel through flooded roads.” 

Morrisey concluded that he will continue to provide updates regarding flooding and recovery efforts, and that the state will continue to provide resources.