Beckley, WV (WOAY) – From all of us here at WOAY, our hearts go out to the victims of the Texas flooding, where 129 people have been confirmed dead, and another 150 remain missing.
That includes Camp Mystic counselors and campers.
Rescue crews continue to search the region for survivors, but hope is fading.
“United Way typically has a disaster response whenever any local area experiences these types of weather events,” said United Way of Southern West Virginia Executive Director Trena Dacal. “And for those in Texas who’ve gone through such a terrible time recently, over the July 4th weekend, United Way of Greater Austin is stepping in with disaster response. So, https://unitedwayaustin.org if people want to give financially.”
It’s important not to self-deploy. Contact local government and organizations with boots on the ground to determine where help is most needed.
“Many areas that experienced flooding have lost infrastructure and other resources,” Dacal said. “Self-deployment can be dangerous and use the resources that are already there.”
In the first few days after disaster hits, it’s all about gathering water and cleaning supplies.
“Things that can help people get those cleanup efforts underway are important, and then it’s always important for long-term disaster relief as well.
We’re fortunate to have the beauty of the mountains, but we also experience disasters related to them. It means everything when communities come together to help the impacted people.
“Marion in Ohio County is experiencing some flooding as well, some flash flooding. Upper Ohio Valley and Tiger Valley United Way have both stepped in to do what they can to help,” said the executive director. ” United Ways are all very focused on their local communities.”
McDowell and Wyoming Counties received tractor-trailer loads of United Way of Southern West Virginia Disaster relief after the February 2025 flooding.
“But it is a long-term effort to get people back into their homes and to remediate their homes from what they’ve experienced,” Dacal said. “So we work within the counties as well after that, with emergency management up to three or four years later to make sure that people can get back to a new normal.”
