McDowell County continues recovery efforts after catastrophic flooding, Lewisburg business accepting relief-donations

By Vanta Coda III, RealWV

WELCH, W.Va. – Clean-up efforts are underway after significant snow-melt combined with heavy weekend-rains to wreak havoc throughout the Mountain State.

In the southern West Virginia coalfield County of McDowell – the part of the state hit hardest by the weather event – catastrophic flooding in the county seat of Welch has resulted in the loss of life, and damage to property and infrastructure that is expected to reach well into the millions.

On Tuesday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey and W.Va. National Guard Adjutant General Jim Seward confirmed that three deaths have resulted from the flooding, as well as one person reported missing. McDowell was one of 13 counties included in Morrisey’s weekend State of Emergency declarations.

In addition to the National Guard, several other West Virginia counties, such as Kanawha and Boone, are assisting McDowell County in their recovery efforts. First responders and National Guard members have now conducted more than 700 water rescues since Sunday.

Lewisburg-area business accepting flood-relief donations

For those wishing to help McDowell County recover following the devastating floods, Love Child, the children’s store in downtown Lewisburg, is collecting donations through Saturday, February 22.

Love Child’s owner, Siobhan Winters, informed RealWV that the business will be collecting blankets, bleach, heaters, and bottled water. Donated items may be dropped off at the store, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Love Child is located at 933 Washington Street West, in Lewisburg.