It is the reality of living in this wild, wonderful land we love that it seems almost annually — sometimes more often than that — flooding and mudslides turn our waterways and hills into a deadly landscape. We have almost become accustomed to the news reports — and the calls for help.

But that must not mean we become less responsive. At this writing, at least two deaths in West Virginia are attributed to the massive flooding in our southern counties. The effects on homes, property and communities have yet to be fully revealed. In southeast Ohio and Kentucky the devastation is no less horrifying.

Already organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are providing shelter and feeding hundreds of people, with the help of community partners and volunteers.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey swung into action quickly, and on Monday was already working with the federal government to help secure the emergency declarations and assistance we will need. He said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has pledged federal help.

Good.

With a cold snap on its way, and power still out to a significant number of houses in the region, there will be a need for all kinds of help in the coming days. When the time comes, there will surely be calls for water, supplies, clothing — and volunteers for the cleanup. But, as was the case in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we must not jump the gun, but wait until reputable organizations are able to determine what donations and help are needed — where and how those eager to help can be most useful.

That time will come soon enough. And surely, there will be great need. Morrisey’s office is encouraging participation in an online disaster survey to help gather information. Though it may prove difficult to get a complete picture in a region plagued by power outages at the moment, the results of that survey will help us understand where assistance is needed.

“We’re going to continue to be available to help those in need,” Morrisey said Monday.

It’s an all-too-familiar refrain here, but in the coming days and weeks that must remain true of all of us.