Rescue efforts underway in Virginia, state of emergency declared after flooding

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency in southwest Virginia. Heavy rains this week led to reports of rising waters Tuesday night.

When daybreak came Wednesday, emergency personnel were able to see the true extent of the damage.

More than 100 homes were impacted in some way. Social media videos posted by those in Buchanan County showed houses ripped right off their foundations. Roads and bridges in the area were washed out or blocked by landslides, making travel to the remote region difficult.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s office said several small communities bordering West Virginia and Kentucky were impacted. There were no confirmed deaths or injuries, but more than 40 people—a mix of adults and children—were reported unaccounted for. Authorities said that number is likely to decrease, though, as swift-water rescue teams continue to survey the area. A local school now serves as a shelter for displaced people.

The Sheriff said the number of unaccounted is based on relatives trying to contact people in the area, but there may be limited or no phone service.

Governor Glenn Youngkin said on Twitter, “We are making every resource available to help those impacted. While rescue and recovery operations continue, please join me in prayer as we lift up our fellow Virginians impacted by this tragedy.”

The declared state of emergency means more resources, tools, equipment and people can be mobilized to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.