Kanawha flood victims total 6 as recovery efforts continue

CLENDENIN, W.Va. — As of Saturday afternoon, the number of deaths associated with the devastating flash flooding in the Mountain State were 23 including six in Kanawha County.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office released the following information Saturday morning in connection with the fourth, fifth and sixth victims:

The body of a man was found in a home in the Clendenin area.  The caller speculated the man may have been electrocuted, and though that speculation was broadcast on radio frequencies it was not confirmed by first responders.

Also, the bodies of two females were found in a home on Riverview Road along the Elk River near Little Sandy Creek.  At this time it is difficult to confirm that family members of the deceased have been properly notified of the deaths, and out of caution those names are not being released.  It is presumed all three drowned.

Reporting and documenting these incidents is occurring, but the pace of finalization of our records is slowed due to the volume of emergency 911 calls and incidents.  As the emergencies diminish more accurate records will be available, and more information can then be safely and accurately released.  We appreciate the patience and understanding of journalists and the public.

As of 6:30 a.m. June 25, 2016 Metro 911 had a record of 158 closed water rescue calls.  Those are actual emergency rescue operations that are now completed.  They had one active water rescue call at that time.  They reported 153 closed calls related to the flooding that were non-emergency or of a lower priority than the rescues.  Those include well-being checks, requests for supplies or medicine, and other similar 911 calls.  There are currently 20 of those active.

Metro 911 last issued a road closure/reopening list around 9:00 p.m. yesterday.  Overnight there were too few mobile first responders reporting road closures and reopenings.  As they begin their daytime operations we expect more information on that topic, and expect an updated list to be released at 9:00 a.m. today.





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