First responders worked through the night and deep into the day Thursday to locate and reunite families in Buchanan County. As of Thursday morning, there were still 44 people reported missing who were unaccounted for. They were located safe during the day on Thursday.
As of Thursday night there were no reports of fatalities connected to the ongoing flooding in the county.
The water made roads impassable, especially around Big Branch Road.
United Way of Southwest Virginia sprung into action in after early reports of the flood, working with the community to provide short- and long-term assistance to families in the Dismal River, Hale Creek, Jewell Valley, Patteron, Pilgrim’s Knob and Whitewood areas of Buchanan County.
Initial reports said more than 100 homes were damaged or destroyed in the flood.
“AEP has donated a significant sum to allow us to purchase flashlights, lanterns, coolers and other necessities for those without power,” said Travis Staton, UWSWVA president and CEO.
“Southwest Virginia is blessed with individuals and organizations that step up in times like this,” Staton said. “Even before we could call Food City, for instance, they already had a truck full of bottled water on the way. Southwest Virginians take care of Southwest Virginians.”
The Thompson Charitable Foundation has committed to assisting with the long-term recovery process.
The United Way has activated an online portal for those wishing to donate to the long-term recovery process following these most recent floods. “We have experience and expertise with long-term disaster recovery, from the tornadoes in Glade Spring a decade ago through the flooding in Hurley last year, and we stand ready to help the families who will need long-term assistance here.” Staton said the newly established Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Fund will be entirely separate from the Hurley Long-Term Recovery Fund, which remains active.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Buchanan County 2022 Disaster Fund may do so at https://unitedwayswva.charityproud.org/Donate/Index/19717 or by calling Cristie Lester at 276.525.4071.
