Press Release

Eyewitnesses: Our Nurses Describe the Heartache and Solidarity in the Aftermath of WV Flooding

RN Response Network

June 27, 2016

By now, we have all seen the terrible images and descriptions of the flooding in West Virginia last week, which came without warning and left unimaginable wreckage. Twenty-three people are dead, and hundreds remain in shelters, as well as thousands of homes and businesses left damaged by the storms that are called “training” because the thunderstorms are lined up like train cars. This flooding has been called a “once in a 1,000 year event” with 8-10 inches of rain falling very quickly creating the flood/flash flood conditions. This was part of a broader Derecho system that spawned heavy rain and tornadoes in Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. The training phenomenon combined with the geographical makeup of steep mountains and deep valleys, this storm devastated the area and has been declared a federal disaster.

Laura White, RN at GVMC “ In just a moment people’s lives were changed forever” “It literally looks like a war zone.  It will take months to recover”  “I am lucky that there was no loss of life and our home is salvageable but some of my co-workers and neighbors have lost everything including loved ones”

RNRN/NNU is monitoring the situation in West Virginia very closely, and expresses support and solidarity with the residents who are mourning the loss of loved ones, livelihood and homes. The clean up and rebuilding process is a long and difficult one, and as our members describe their communities coming together in a time of need, we are sending thoughts of safety and healing to those affected by this disaster.

This is the third deadliest flooding in West Virginia. Man-made climate change may have added to the disaster. The part of the country that includes West Virginia has seen a 71% increase in extreme precipitation since 1958, according to the National Climate Assessment.

Thankfully the extreme conditions have also seen a strong response, and our members describe people coming together in a great time of need. Search and rescue efforts continue, even today which is bringing more rain on the flooded area. The clean up and healing process will take longer.

Sonja Bland, RN in the medical telemetry unit at GVMC, lost her home and everything in it. “The flood victims of Greenbrier county and I are still struggling to grasp the reality of our situation.  When I become overwhelmed with my own losses, I continue to remind myself that I am alive and many others were not so lucky”  she went on to say “We can and will overcome this because we have survived. I  lost things, as we all did, that were precious to me like pictures and my wedding rings but I SURVIVED!  Yet in our tragedy we see and feel the healing caresses from the outpouring of support from our communities as well as other states and communities who are giving their time, effort and money to help us recover.  I thank everyone who has already helped along with those who will help in the future. Your actions mean more to us than words can express.”

“As everyone probably knows by now, West Virginia has been devastated by flood waters. Everyone is pulling together to help each other, but it is life changing. The entire Greenbrier community has been touched. From nurses not being able to get home, to not knowing if family members, friends and patients have a home to get home to, or if it is safe.  Lives have been lost, touching everyone. As mentioned, we are pulling together. Emotionally drained and exhausted but stronger by the support being given in the community and thoughts across the nation. WV strong.”  Trish Ridgeway, RN at GVMC.

Please Help the Communities Affected By This Disaster

If you are willing to volunteer, please sign up through Volunteer West Virginia here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/16Floods They will connect individual volunteers to Volunteer West Virginia for clean up, rebuilding and other efforts. Right now, there is not a request for help outside the state so at this time this volunteer opportunity is for local volunteers only, in areas where it is safe to travel into.

If you can donate supplies or make a financial donation, please consider doing so. Please find more details on how to donate and help here: http://bit.ly/28YmZ79 and below.

NNU members in Ohio and West Virginia are collecting donations of basic essentials such as personal hygiene items, infant formula, diapers and cleaning supplies to assist in the relief efforts. Please contact Michelle Mahon at mmahon@nationalnursesunited.org for more information.

MORE WAYS TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FLOODING:
Please contact the donation drop off sites directly before dropping off supplies and confirm what they still need (supply needs change often).

HOW TO GET HELP IN WEST VIRGINIA IF YOU HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FLOODING: