Over 100 Rescued from Devastating Floods in Southwest Virginia
Heavy rains swept through Southwest Virginia this past weekend, triggering severe flooding and forcing emergency crews into action. Over 100 people had to be rescued from rising floodwaters, with the most critical situations occurring in Tazewell and Buchanan Counties. The torrential downpours caused creeks and rivers to swell rapidly, leaving many residents stranded and in desperate need of assistance.
Richlands, a town in Tazewell County, was among the hardest hit, with at least 60 people evacuated near the Clinch River. Police Chief Ron Holt described the situation as catastrophic, with homes and businesses suffering extensive damage. State Senator Travis Hackworth, whose district includes the affected area, expressed deep concern over the extent of the devastation, noting that it would take days to fully assess the damage. In response to the crisis, emergency shelters were opened, including one at the Fuller Peery Building at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds, where about 25 displaced residents had already taken refuge by Sunday morning.
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The neighboring Buchanan County also faced severe flooding, forcing multiple evacuations. Residents like 19-year-old Kylie Hensley witnessed firsthand the desperate struggle for survival. In Hurley, she saw a family trapped inside their flooded home, calling out for help. Thanks to a neighbor’s quick thinking, a rescue was mounted using a small John boat and a kayak paddle. The family, along with their cats and dogs, was safely transported to higher ground. However, their ordeal didn’t end there—inside their home, floodwaters had risen high enough to cause electrical shocks as they moved through different rooms. Fortunately, they are now safe and sheltering with neighbors.
Swiftwater rescue teams from Virginia Beach and Bristol were deployed to assist with evacuations and ensure residents’ safety. But even as floodwaters begin to recede, the road to recovery will be long. Cleanup efforts are expected to be extensive, and high winds on Sunday complicated power restoration efforts.
Looking ahead, emergency officials are now preparing for yet another challenge—a winter storm forecasted for the coming days. With temperatures expected to drop, officials are racing to restore power to as many residents as possible before the cold sets in. The combination of flooding and upcoming freezing conditions poses a serious threat to the community, making the recovery efforts even more urgent.
For many long-time residents, this flood is being compared to the infamous 1977 disaster, which left lasting scars on the region. Now, as the community bands together once again, the resilience and determination of Southwest Virginia’s people will be put to the test. It’s a reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the importance of preparedness, even in areas that have weathered storms before.
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