In June 2016, a severe and unprecedented 1,000-year flood-ravaged parts of West Virginia. Between 8 and 10 inches fell within a period of 12 hours, causing debilitating flooding across 17 counties. A state of emergency in 44 of the 55 West Virginia counties was declared by the Governor. The flooding caused widespread damage to housing, business, and infrastructure, left thousands of West Virginians homeless, and caused the loss of 23 lives. Verified losses reported by FEMA totaled over $45 million statewide.

 

WV VOAD and member organizations immediately began assisting families impacted by the disaster in the recovery process. Employing the established principles set forth by National VOAD: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration, WV VOAD brought over 40 member organizations together to best serve families.

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Through the Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration, of WV VOAD and its member organizations, the following assistance and services were provided:

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• Housing reconstruction/rehabilitation

• Bridge reconstruction/rehabilitation

• Muck & gutting

• Volunteer labor

• Donations (furniture, food, necessities)

• Emotional and spiritual care

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While it has been several years since the devastating flooding disaster, WV VOAD and its member organizations remain active in serving families impacted by the 2016 Flood.