West Virginia Remembers: Eight Years After Devastating Flood, Community Resilience Shines

WEST VIRGINIA (WVDN) – Eight years. Eight long years have passed since the devastating thousand-year flooding that occurred in 2016. The memories of June 23, 2016, live on in all those who lost homes, businesses, vehicles and loved ones. Not to mention that the damage in some areas is still undergoing repairs today. Entire towns suffered, including many in Greenbrier County. However, much like the phoenix from the ashes, the people of West Virginia rose from the tragedy to rebuild and to provide support where possible.

Today, and every day, we remember the 23 lives that were lost; we remember every emergency responder and every good Samaritan who saved lives. We remember the families who lost their homes. We remember the painful images of streets turned into rivers, homes submerged in muddy water, and the relentless efforts of volunteers wading through waist-high and deeper floods to reach those stranded.

In the aftermath of the flooding, communities across Greenbrier County and beyond came together in an unprecedented show of resilience and compassion. Neighbors helping neighbors, teams of volunteers working tirelessly to clear debris and rebuild shattered lives or cooking and providing food and a dry place to eat. The outpouring of support from within West Virginia and beyond was overwhelming, a testament to the strength of human kindness in times of crisis.

As the years have passed, scars left by the floods have slowly begun to heal. Homes have been rebuilt, businesses have reopened, and infrastructure has been strengthened to withstand future disasters better. Yet, for many, the emotional wounds remain fresh, triggered by each heavy rain or distant rumble of thunder.

This event and others, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are reminders that hope can prevail even in our darkest hours. The memory of June 23, 2016, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the indomitable spirit of those who call West Virginia home.

As we reflect on this anniversary, let us honor the memory of those we lost by reaffirming our commitment to preparedness, community and compassion. May we never forget the lessons learned from that fateful day and continue to stand united in the face of adversity, ready to lend a hand to our neighbors in their time of need.

Some politicians serving the Mountain State have issued statements regarding the anniversary.

Senator Capito said, “The 2016 floods impacted thousands of West Virginians, took 23 precious lives, destroyed schools, forced businesses to close and left many families without homes. Eight years later, we continue to rebuild together. Out of this tragedy, we saw our West Virginia spirit come alive, and people from every corner of our state rushed to impacted areas to lend a helping hand. That is what West Virginia is all about, and that is what separates our state from anywhere else in the world. I ask that West Virginians keep this spirit alive and continue to display the compassion and resiliency that defines us.”

Senator Manchin stated, “Every June 23, our hearts are heavy with the memory of the precious lives lost in the floods that ravaged southern West Virginia eight years ago. Gayle and I continue to pray for the families whose lives were forever changed by the loss of a loved one. While I am proud to have secured over $256 million above and beyond normal federal disaster funding to rebuild and make our communities more resilient to extreme weather, no amount of funding can replace what was lost that day. In the aftermath of the flood, West Virginians showed our true colors by coming together—as only we can—to support one another. It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent such a strong, resilient state with amazing people who care for their communities and fellow West Virginians so deeply.”

Some areas honor the anniversary in a variety of ways. A prime example is the annual Summerfest in Clendenin, formerly called the “celebration of the flood.”

No matter how you spend the day, know that you are not alone. Together, we are strong; together, we can overcome anything; together, we remember.

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