In Mingo County, clean water may be a week away as flood cleanup continues

Downtown Williamson was spared, thanks to floodwalls constructed in the 1990s, but, throughout the county, many lost their homes and everything they own.

The flooding has brought the county to a near standstill and Mingo County Schools have canceled classes indefinitely. The Mingo County Courthouse is closed on a day-by-day basis.

Officials have confirmed three fatalities from the flooding, all of which were from a single family in McDowell County. They were Donald Eugene Griffin and his wife, Deborah, both 69 and of Welch, and a 2-year-old boy who the Griffins had legal custody of.

Update on clean water sources

All water plants in the Mingo Public Service District are currently pumping water and filling tanks. All communities should have access to potable water by Feb. 27, according to officials at Mingo County Emergency Services. Boil-water advisories could be in effect.

Cleaning supplies, food donations needed

The Williamson Fieldhouse, while serving as the central hub for donations, also is being used as a shelter for those displaced by flooding. Jarrod Dean, Williamson’s parks director, said Thursday officials are seeing a decrease in residents sheltering there, but it remains open for those in need.

Dean said he’s looking for donations of food and cleaning supplies but no longer is accepting clothing donations.

While the fieldhouse in Williamson serves as the central hub for the county’s relief efforts, stations have been set up across the county in the following locations:

• Lenore Community Center (Lenore and Naugatuck areas)
• Kermit Gym (Jennies Creek, Marrowbone, Kermit, East Kermit)
• Delbarton City Hall (Delbarton, Belo, Pigeon Creek)
• Chattaroy Volunteer Fire Department (Chattaroy, Nolan and Borderland
• Gilbert Town Hall (Gilbert, Justice, Gilbert Creek)
• Matewan City Hall (Matewan, Mate Creek, Ben Creek, Beech Creek)

What’s next

The West Virginia National Guard is helping with cleanup efforts and Gov. Patrick Morrisey has petitioned the Federal Emergency Management Agency for relief funds for Mingo and 12 other West Virginia counties.