World Renew Responding to ‘1,000-year Flood’ in West Virginia
A woman looks at the remnants of her damaged home after flooding in Falling Rock, West Virginia.
Courtesy of Reuters
Catastrophic flooding killed more than 20 people in West Virginia over the weekend with several still missing in landslides, mudslides, and related events.
More than 500 homes have been damaged or destroyed so far, and 40,000 residents of Rowan County remain without power.
"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.
To respond to the needs of those who are most at risk, World Renew is working with West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), a previous partner in 2015 flooding.
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 for 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 needed to make this ministry possible.
Donate online or mail a 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
Individuals, families, group
