CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Almost a year after the storm, the state’s report on the response to the 2012 derecho is now available.
“The results of the After Action Review show clearly communication between state agencies, utility companies, private businesses, public entities and citizens is vital in such a statewide, sustained emergency,” said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin of the results.
The derecho, the violent and widespread band of fast moving wind and thunderstorms, tore through West Virginia on the night of June 29, 2012 with little advance warning of the storm that hit during a heat wave.
Trees, power lines and poles were destroyed. At one point, an estimated more than 1.4 million state residents did not have electrical service. It took almost two weeks to get power into some parts of the state at a time when temperatures regularly topped 90 degrees.
By the time the storm moved east, there was damage in 53 of West Virginia’s 55 counties. In all, the storm left behind a path of destruction stretching from the Midwest to the Delmarva Peninsula.
Because of the communication problems after the storm, Tomblin said state officials are now looking into alternative message methods for times when there is no power.
In addition to improvements for emergency communications, the After Action Review also addresses power restoration, personnel education and training, fuel access, transportation and other issues.
To read West Virginia’s full derecho report, you can go to www.governor.wv.gov.