EKB News

Saturday Governor Joe Manchin declared a state of emergency in Mingo, Boone, Logan, McDowell, Raleigh and Wyoming counties, with Mingo reported to be the worst hit, while heavy rains fell around Williamson. Beginning at 2:00 A.M., more than 400 Mingo County families were evacuated. Emergency Management crews evacuated people in several areas, including North Matewan, Delbarton, Gilbert, Magnolia Gardens, Pigeon Creek and Mate Creek. Manchin ordered the implementation of the state's Emergency Operations Plan and activation of the state's Emergency Operations Center. He also dispatched the West Virginia National Guard and the Department of Highways to Gilbert, where 150 to 200 families were flood bound along Route 52 in Mingo and McDowell counties. Emergency Services reported mobile homes being taken off their foundations. In Wyoming County, the Hanover area, which is located near the Mingo County line, suffered great damage when Little Huff Creek exceeded its banks Saturday morning. Reaching the area was delayed because Route 97 at Baileysville was blocked by a mudslide. The Red Cross set up a shelter at the Open Door Church in Rhodell of Raleigh County. Applachian Power reported 10,000 customers remained without power Saturday night.