Tomblin, along with officials from the West Virginia National Guard, State Sen. Art Kirkendoll, Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips, Logan County Commission President Danny Godby, commissioners Willie Akers and Danny Ellis and Logan County Emergency Services Deputy Director Sonya Porter, surveyed the damage done when four inches of rain fell in just an hour on the communities of Mud Fork, Verdunville, Mount Gay and Coal Branch. In Mingo County, the community of Dingess was hit hard by flash flooding.
On Monday, Gov. Tomblin requested a federal disaster declaration for Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties. If granted, the federal disaster declaration will provide financial assistance for those affected by the March 15 storms, which caused significant damage and destruction across parts of Southern West Virginia. The heavy rain caused flooding, mudslides and landslides that ripped apart several communities. Nearly 300 homes and businesses were damaged by the flash flooding.
“Logan, Lincoln and Mingo counties were hit extremely hard — some areas received over three inches of rain in a two hour period,” Gov. Tomblin said in a press release issued Monday afternoon. “While the damage is still being assessed, the cost of repairs is already estimated to be in the millions. Our state’s emergency response teams were out in the fields immediately assisting with rescue efforts. Today, they continue to work around the clock helping those affected (to) begin to put their lives back together. As I toured the affected areas, I was, again, reminded of the strength of the people of our state. West Virginians responded as they always have in difficult times; with the strength of character and the spirit of compassion that make us all proud to call this state home.”
On Friday, federal disaster assistance was granted for 11 counties following the storms occurring between February 29 and March 5, 2012.
To contact Staff Writer Michael Browning, call 304-752-6950, extension 309, or email him at mbrowning@loganbanner.com.
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