Officials: Flooding destroyed 33 homes in Upshur, Lewis

BUCKHANNON - Last week’s flooding in Upshur and Lewis counties destroyed 33 homes, West Virginia’s Senate and Congressional representatives said in a letter to President Donald Trump.

The letter, dated Saturday and signed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, both R-West Virginia, and Congressional representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore, both R-West Virginia, was addressed to Trump and Andre McCoy, administrator of FEMA Region 3.

"This disaster has left a profound impact on communities across Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Upshur Counties," the letter states. "Homes have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, roads and bridges have been damaged, businesses have been disrupted, and critical public infrastructure has sustained significant losses. Tragically, two West Virginians lost their lives, and countless others are now facing the difficult task of rebuilding their homes and their lives."

The letter seeks to persuade Trump and McCoy to fast-track a federal disaster declaration for the region.

"Joint Damage Assessments in Lewis and Upshur Counties alone highlight the catastrophic nature of this event, revealing 33 homes destroyed, 91 with major damage, 235 with minor damage, and 182 otherwise impacted," according to the letter. "Using FEMA’s Individual Households Program Cost Estimator, the initial assistance needs for just these two counties are nearly $4.9 million. Because full assessments across all requested counties are still underway, these figures capture only a fraction of the destruction, underscoring that the scale of unmet needs will grow substantially and far outpace state and local resources."

The letter "respectfully urge(s) you to approve Governor Morrisey’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, including Individual Assistance for Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Upshur Counties; Public Assistance for Categories A through G in those counties; and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide"

Counter to what was announced earlier, the West Virginia National Guard will not be leaving Upshur County today, and will continue collecting flood debris until the need for their help no longer exists, officials announced.

Residents are still asked to move flood-damaged items -- such as furniture, drywall, appliances and soaked belongings -- to the curb as soon as possible.

On Monday, the City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission identified two official organizations for those wishing to make financial contributions to support local flood recovery efforts: the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation and the Tygart Valley United Way.

Donations may be made by presenting a check payable to Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation at any Citizens Bank of West Virginia location. Donors may also mail a check to: Rotary Club of BU Foundation, PO Box 2573, Buckhannon WV 26201, or contact the Foundation Treasurer, Don Nestor, at 304‑439‑0568.

Contributions may be made online through the Tygart Valley United Way at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lewisupshurfloodfund/

These two organizations ensure that all monetary donations are securely received, properly documented, and directed toward verified recovery needs within Upshur County.

On Monday, the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation received its first major donation of $25,000 from Citizens Bank of West Virginia.

Nathaniel S. Bonnell, President & CEO of Citizens Bank of West Virginia, said, "As a community bank, we believe in standing alongside our friends and neighbors during times of need. We are honored to make the first contribution of $25,000 to the Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation's Flood Relief Fund and encourage others to join us in supporting this important effort to help our communities recover and rebuild."

Brett White, Chief Executive Officer of Tygart Valley United Way, stated: "The Lewis Upshur Flood Assistance Fund has received over 350 individual donations from across West Virginia and the country. WVU Medicine recently made a significant donation of $50,000 to support the efforts."

In response to the devastating storms and flooding across the region, West Virginia Wesleyan College Counseling Programs is partnering with Community Care of West Virginia, Inc. to provide a drop-in crisis counseling clinic for anyone in need of emotional support during recovery.

The clinic is open at the WVWC Health Center during the following hours: today through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. Individuals processing the emotional impact of the storms, seeking someone to talk to, or needing assistance connecting with additional resources will find trained mental health professionals ready to help.