CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Marshall County on Wednesday following excessive rainfall and flooding earlier in the week.
According to the National Weather Service, up to five inches of rain fell in Marshall County, causing creeks and waterways to overflow their banks. Tom Hart, the director of the Marshall County Office of Emergency Management, said at least 30 homes were damaged by floodwaters.
“We also have assessments continuing,” he said. “Those will be ongoing for the next several days.”
Cleanup efforts are already underway with the community of Cameron, which received most of the rainfall and damage.
“This will be a longer process than it is a shorter one at this point,” Hart added about assessment efforts.
Hart noted the declaration makes it easier for local governments to received state resources.
“Right now, we’re trying to do as much on the local level as possible,” he said. “The Marshall County Commission has stepped up to provide assistance to the city of Cameron. Right now, the city is doing as much as it can with the resources they have. Of course, they pretty much lost all of their equipment through their public works department, so it’s kind of challenging at this point.”
Cameron and Marshall County officials already declared a state of emergency for the city. The American Red Cross and West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are assisting with response efforts.