CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A second individual who died in the weekend flooding in McDowell County has been found. Governor Patrick Morrisey identified the two victims who were recovered on back-to-back days as Donald and Debbie Griffin of Welch.
The Governor did not offer any details on how the couple died. The search continues for a third missing individual in McDowell County. Morrisey also told reporters a McDowell County firefighter died on Monday. The state Fire Marshal reported the fireman died after suffering a sudden illness on the way to a fire and later died on arrival at the hospital.
Morrisey talked about his visit to hard hit McDowell and Mingo Counties on Monday to take a look at the recovery. Morrisey offered the full support of state resources to the recovery effort.
“I tried to go to some of the hardest hit areas to survey damage and meet some of the local officials. It became clear to me that federal assistance was required in southern West Virginia because we need to do what we can to get communities back on their feet and being strong,” said the Governor.
Morrisey had already submitted a letter to the White House formally requesting a disaster declaration for the counties hardest hit in southern West Virginia. He also noted he had been in touch with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and she had pledged assistance to help with the recovery.
“I’ve already had good conversations with the Trump Administration who have offered their resources during this challenging time,” he said.
Morrisey noted between 60 and 65 water rescues by various agencies and departments have been conducted in the last four days in the flood zone. The West Virginia DNR Natural Resources Police swiftwater rescue team was credited with 11 of those rescues. Many of the individuals who had to be removed from their homes via boat are now housed in shelters set up in Welch and Williamson. Meals and supplies are being distributed to flood victims at those locations. The Governor also cautioned the state is about to get another round of ill weather which could complicate the recovery, especially with many who have no homes or no heat as a result of the flood.
“We know over the next 72 hours we’re expecting some difficult weather conditions again. We’re expecting several rounds of snow which are estimated to produce between four and six inches of snow south of the I-64 Corridor. We know the mountains could see up to eight inches,” he said.
Power restoration efforts are moving along, but like most things are delayed by the remote areas still cut off by high water.
“When you have water everywhere, you have to allow the water to recede. Then you have to clear all of the debris and blockage from the road and then repair the road. Then the linemen can go through and do the good work they need to do. It’s been a team effort,” said Morrisey.
The Governor had no projection on when he expected an answer from the White House on the request for a disaster declaration, but did not believe there would be any problems getting the nod, particularly in the hardest hit counties.
Morrisey finally delivered an update on road conditions. Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Wayne Counties all have road slides, wash outs, and road slips. Fayette, Greenbrier, Monroe, Nicholas, and Summers Counties still have roads blocked by flood water. Morrisey added McDowell, Wyoming, Mercer, and Raleigh County had experienced significant flooding, but noted water was receding and road assessment is underway and repairs will follow.