Published: May 10, 2009 06:00 am      

State of emergency

Gov. Joe Manchin declared a state of emergency in Raleigh, Wyoming, Mingo, McDowell, Logan and Boone counties Saturday morning after excessive rain and flooding afflicted the area.

“State and local emergency management officials are on-site, assessing damages and offering assistance where needed,” Manchin said.

“We continue to monitor the rivers and streams so that we can offer additional assistance should the situation worsen.”

In Raleigh County, the area of Rhodell was the hardest hit.

A supervisor at the 911 center reported that a public works water plant was completely under water and out of commission Saturday afternoon, and the state Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health issued a boil water advisory for Rhodell Water Works, “due to a loss of water pressure.”

DHHR advised consumers to boil drinking water (a full rolling boil) for at least one minute prior to drinking, using for cooking or hygienic purposes such as hand washing, bathing or toothbrushing, while the advisory remains in effect.

In the Willibet Hollow area of Jon Ben Road, emergency crews were dispatched to help evacuate flooded homes.

Raleigh County also had several mudslides reported, and the area of Sullivan Camp lost power for several hours after a tree came down and snapped a power line.

Red Cross workers loaded up relief supplies, such as cots, blankets, sheltering and health care kits, meals and cleanup supplies, for distribution throughout the affected area.

They opened a shelter at The Open Door Church in Rhodell and provided breakfast and lunch to about 100 people throughout the day Saturday.

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In Wyoming County, most of the damage was reported on U.S. 52 in the Hanover area, a supervisor at the EOC said.

The EOC reported several bridges were washed out and approximately 50 homes were damaged or rendered “unlivable.”

It also said road blockages were reported in Baileysville on W.Va. 97, where the road was more or less “impassable.”

Other areas were damaged in smaller numbers. Power outages were reported, but all were later restored.

Shelters were set up at Cook Memorial Church in Pineville and the Baileysville Community Center Saturday. The Red Cross will be setting up an additional shelter today.

“The Beckley volunteers from the Red Cross are preparing to arrive in Hanover tomorrow at the request of the Wyoming County Emergency Operations Center,” chapter director Sheri McGraw said Saturday night.

“No one is really sure of the number of people who are going to need help because they haven’t been able to access the area yet.”

The Red Cross says it’s prepared to feed 200 to 400 people.

Emergency dispatchers in Greenbrier, Monroe, Nicholas, Fayette and Summers counties reported little to no flooding in their respective regions Saturday.

All had a few small streams overflow due to heavy rainfall, and Summers County authorities were keeping a watch on the Bluestone area. No loss of life or property was reported.

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A number of state agencies, including the National Guard, Division of Highways and the state fire marshal have assisted with rescues and damage assessment around southern West Virginia.

Thus far, flood-related damage has involved water crossing roadways, water into homes and mudslides, a spokesman for Manchin said.

Officials are waiting on the water to recede to assess additional damage to homes and businesses, as well as roadways.

The governor ordered the implementation of the state’s Emergency Operations Plan and activation of the state’s Emergency Operations Center. The state of emergency allows the governor to direct special resources to the affected areas that otherwise would not be available.

The state of emergency remains in effect for 30 days unless extended or rescinded by another proclamation by the governor.

Manchin said, “One of the biggest concerns when flooding occurs is dangerous road conditions. We urge our citizens to please use common sense and do not attempt to drive through standing water on any roadways.

“If you need assistance, please contact the appropriate authorities. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads.”

The governor plans to visit the affected areas today.

Register-Herald reporter Tina Alvey contributed to this story.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com