More than 40,000 residents were without power, and in Rowan County alone, at least 500 homes are severely damaged or destroyed.
"Emergency personnel are calling this a 1,000-year flood," says Bonnie Wiersma, World Renew regional manager for West Virginia.
World Renew is seeking donations to support the recovery efforts.
As first responders coordinate search and rescue and provide immediate emergency relief, World Renew is already scouting the possibility of sending volunteers to help with clean-up, as well as setting the stage for long-term recovery which the organization is known for.
World Renew is currently working with West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) responding to the 2015 flooding, and will continue to work with the organization to serve those affected by this weekend’s floods.
The State of West Virginia received a federal disaster declaration on June 25, 2016. This will allow residents to apply for federal disaster assistance, but there will be many who will need additional support to recovery, namely the low-income, elderly, and disabled.
“World Renew is dedicated to helping those who are not able to recover or rebuild their homes by their own means,” says Andrew Ryskamp, acting director for World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS). "Donations will support all services World Renew can provide, including clean-up, assessing needs, and reconstruction."
Your support is urgently needed to make this ministry possible.
Please prayerfully consider supporting World Renew with your prayers and financial gifts.
Donate online or mail your check, marked “North American Disasters 2016", to:
World Renew US
1700 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Tel: 1-800-552-7972
World Renew Canada
3475 Mainway
P.O. Box 5070 STN LCD
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Y8
Tel: 1-800-730-3490
*Feature image: A woman looks at the remnants of her damaged home after flooding in Falling Rock, West Virginia. Photo courtesy of Reuters.