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Flash Floods and Mountain Towns: W. Va. Disaster Relief Continues
Written by Christina Ward, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
A carpet of mud still lines the living room floor of this destroyed home in Raleigh County.
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 13, 2001 — Washed-out bridges, broken roads, remote towns and contaminated water systems. These are just a few of the challenges facing American Red Cross disaster workers now providing relief for victims of the July 8 severe flash flooding in southern West Virginia. Floodwater not only destroys houses and belongings, disaster experts say — it also poses major health risks and can cause long-term mental stress. In response to these and other needs of the thousands of families affected, the Red Cross has launched a major operation, with trained volunteers arriving from all areas of the country to help.
Some 3,000 homes were damaged or destroyed when thunderstorms descended on the mountainous region, dumping up to 8 inches of rain within just a few hours. The disaster is considered the worst to hit the state in decades. Eight counties have been declared disaster areas, and early estimates put the cost of damage at $20 million. As damage assessment continues in remote communities, however, that figure is expected to go much higher.
Immediate Needs
Bill Fraser, a Red Cross volunteer from Los Angeles, arrived early this week to serve as a "mass care" coordinator for the Red Cross response team. From the disaster headquarters set up in a Teamsters Union Hall in Charleston, he is helping organize the distribution of meals, snacks and beverages to flood-affected families. He has a team of 70 volunteers to help him, so far.
"The terrain makes it tougher for us," he admits. "Many of the worst-hit areas are very remote, deep in the mountains." The towns are also spread throughout a large portion of the state, connected by winding back roads, many of which suffered extensive damage in the floods. About 23 Red Cross emergency response vehicles are driving into these regions to deliver food and water. In conjunction with teams of Southern Baptist volunteers, several Red Cross kitchens have also been set up in affected communities, where volunteers cook, serve and distribute meals to area residents.
Streams and rivers still bear evidence
of the July 8 disaster.
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Fraser has been a Red Cross volunteer for 30 years and has worked on 47 disaster operations. Flash floods and tornadoes are some of the hardest, he said, because they happen so fast, with so little warning. Hurricanes, for example, cause massive damage, but residents often know they are coming — and disaster workers can gather relief resources in advance.
"Floods of all kinds are tough," Fraser said. Because of standing water and contamination, "they require a lot of long-term cleanup. This one was particularly bad, too, because it also included mudslides."
At a desk across the room, Linda Foster was working with a team of "family services" volunteers to organize outreach efforts. "We're starting with emergency needs — groceries, shelter, changes of clothing, first aid and cleanup supplies," Foster said. In coming weeks, Foster's teams will shift their focus to longer-term recovery needs as families try to get their lives back to normal.
Snakes, Sewage and Disease
Whether the result of a hurricane or a thunderstorm, floodwater presents unique health problems. Jim Owen, a volunteer from Mt. Holly, N.C., is part of the Red Cross health services team for the West Virginia operation. As a trained medic, he and a team of nurses are going into affected areas, checking on families and offering to help with such immediate health needs as refilling medications, replacing glasses and purchasing new medical equipment for flood victims with special needs like diabetes or asthma.
"We also talk to them about the dangers of flood recovery," Owen said. "Snakes are a problem — they are all over, in standing water, yards and houses." In addition, residents are urged to throw away all belongings that were damaged in the floods. Some families might want to hold on to a favorite carpet, for example — it's tempting to just let it dry and put it back in the house. "The danger is that the rug probably contains mold, even if they can't see it. They will be breathing mold particles into their lungs, which can cause long-term health problems."
Invisible threats are what make flood recovery such a health hazard, Owen added. "Sewage and contaminants seep into the water systems and into the houses," he said. "People can't see these things, but contact with contaminated water will make them sick." On this and other disaster assignments, Owen also spends a lot of time ensuring the health of Red Cross volunteers. Working out in the affected communities, they face the same hazards as many of the victims.
Hardships of Loss
The health dangers of flood recovery only add to the stress of major loss, said Richard Wood, a disaster mental health specialist. As a result, Red Cross health teams and mental health teams are working together in West Virginia communities, assessing the extent of families' needs.
"It was the worst flooding I’ve seen in 31 years here," said one long-time West Virginia resident who lost his home.
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The psychological impact of a disaster can actually be worse than the physical, disaster specialists say. Red Cross mental health workers are an important part of every operation; from the start, they accompany the people delivering food and cleanup supplies. As affected families get snacks and water, mental health workers check on their emotional well-being. Stress levels are inevitably high, and Red Cross specialists offer support and suggestions.
"We describe the typical reactions people have after a disaster — frustration, fear, anger. We let them know that these are normal," Wood said. If necessary, Red Cross workers will refer residents to their local doctor or to other community mental health services. They also address the needs of children, who may need special attention after a major disaster.
With so many of their homes destroyed and personal belongings buried in inches of mud, Wood said some West Virginia families will inevitably suffer a lot of stress and sadness. "We tell everyone to talk," he said. "That's one of the most important things to do after an experience like this — don't be afraid talk about it."
Related articles:
- West Va. Mountain Towns Face Long Recovery
- Flooded West Virginia Towns Heaped in Mud
- Red Cross Reponds to Flooding in W. Va.
- Are You Ready for a Flood?
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross also supplies nearly half of the nation's lifesaving blood. This, too, is made possible by generous voluntary donations. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. You can make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. To donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or contact your local Red Cross to find out about upcoming blood drives.
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