Heavy rainfall from 21 to 22 June caused flooding in Cameron and surrounding areas of Marshall County, West Virginia.

The County of Marshall declared a state of emergency soon after, in response to what it described as “devastating flooding” in the city of Cameron. The county reported damages to businesses, homes, municipal buildings, educational facilities and recreational facilities.

Reports soon after the flooding struck suggest around 30 homes and buildings have been damaged. Flood water in parts of the city was up to 5 feet / 1.5 metres deep in places. Local emergency management officials said as much as 5 inches / 127 mm of rain fell on 21 June.

As of late 22 June clean-up operations had already begun. The city of Cameron said Council members were visiting affected areas making lists of people that need help with debris removal or any kind of help.

On 23 June, Governor of West Virginia Jim Justice declared a State of Emergency for Marshall County due to excessive rainfall. As part of the declaration, the Governor has directed the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to implement the West Virginia Emergency Operations Plan as it relates to flooding, and mobilize appropriate personnel and resources to respond to the emergency.

Five Year Anniversary of Deadly Flooding in West Virginia

Wednesday 23 June 2021 marked the five year anniversary of the catastrophic flooding in West Virginia of June 2016.

Torrential rain of up to 10 inches (254mm) in some areas fell between 23 and 24 June, causing river levels to rise dramatically. Twenty-three people lost their lives after floodwaters swept through the counties of Kanawha, Fayette, Nicholas, Summers and Greenbrier. President Obama declared a federal disaster for the impacted regions.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued a statement on the anniversary of the 2016 flooding:

“Five years ago today, devastating floods ripped through West Virginia. Thousands were impacted, 23 precious lives were lost, schools were destroyed, businesses were forced to close, and many families were left without homes. Despite all of this, one thing withstood this tragedy, and that was our West Virginia spirit. We saw neighbors, friends, families, and strangers helping each other during this difficult time. That same spirit—that West Virginia way—is what makes me so proud, and it is what motivates me each and every day as a public servant. Today on the fifth anniversary of the flooding, I ask that West Virginians keep showing that West Virginia spirit that we are known for. Help a friend in need, be kind to a stranger, or volunteer in your community. We have seen what we can weather and what we can accomplish by working together.”