Situation
Neighbors help out in the cleanup from the recent flooding here. Photo by Liz Roll/FEMA News Photo West Virginia flooding in mid-May affected about 3,000 homes and caused damage throughout six counties although for the last several years, West Virginia has worked to mitigate flood damage by moving houses and mobile homes out of low-lying areas.
According to Robert Jelacic, a spokesman for the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the dense, southern mountains turned into dangerous waterslides because the heavy rain over several weeks had so saturated the ground that additional rain could be absorbed into the ground.
Areas most impacted
The counties of Mingo, Wyoming and McDowell were the hardest hit by the flooding. During a 24-hour period, four inches of rain fell in Mingo County. After a tour by West Virginia Governor Jim Manchin a state of emergency was declared in Mingo, Wyoming, McDowell, Raleigh, Logan and Boone counties.
PDA Response
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is working with the Presbytery of West Virginia in this response. PDA has had a long-term partnership with the Presbytery of West Virginia and its mission program West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps, Inc. (WVMAW) since 2001 when flooding impacted many of the same areas affected by the recent floods.
WVWAM has continued to help the affected community and to provide hope to disaster survivors throughout Southern West Virginia even in the absence of a pressing disaster.
What you can do
You can stand in the gap for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, cleanup provisions, long term and unmet needs, as well as spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site, or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000015–U.S. Disaster Response.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels
ACT. There is an URGENT need for volunteers to help with mucking out and clean-up of homes affected by recent flooding in West Virginia.
Teams and individuals interested in helping with clean-up and recovery efforts in West Virginia may contact the PDA Call Center at (866) 732-6121 or can register their interest online.
PRAY. Please continue in prayer for all who have been impacted by these floods including congregations, families and relief workers.
Index of Response - West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy & Workcamps (WVMAW) |
