Ten years ago, severe flooding struck the Mountain State. North central West Virginia was mostly spared, but the region still came together to help their fellow mountaineers down south.

On June 23, 2016, several thunderstorms brought intense rainfall to most of West Virginia, with the hardest-hit areas being in the central and southeastern parts of the state.

It was recorded that nearly 10 inches of rain fell in 12 hours, resulting in flash floods that caused 23 fatalities throughout the state.

The northern parts of West Virginia were not completely spared either. In Ritchie County, more than 50 residents were evacuated when Pineview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center flooded. Homes and businesses in Webster County also suffered significant damage when waterways such as the Williams River and Elk River overflowed their banks.

While locals cleaned up those communities, the rest of north central West Virginia sprang into action to help those affected across the state. Numerous people helped by making donations, gathering supplies, and heading down south to help with the rescue and cleanup efforts.

West Virginians are remembering the impact the flood had and the lives lost ten years ago.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey published the following statement on the 2016 floods, which read in part:

“Today marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating June 2016 floods that changed countless lives across West Virginia. We remember those we lost, honor the strength and resilience of the communities that came together in the aftermath, and remain committed to helping our fellow West Virginians whenever disaster strikes.

Back in 2016, as your Attorney General, I vividly remember the loss of too many of our citizens – it was a reminder of the ferocity of Mother Nature and how quickly our lives can change. We will never forget the 23 souls who perished from that terrible flood.”

Senators Jim Justice and Shelley Moore Capito (both R-WV) also released the following statements:

“We’ll never forget the 23 precious lives we lost and the communities that were forever changed that day.

That flood tested us in every way imaginable, but it also showed the strength of our people.

Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became family, and West Virginia pulled the rope together.”

SEN. JIM JUSTICE

“As we remember this day 10 years later, I’m reminded of the courageous actions we saw from our fellow West Virginians, just amazing. The dedication of our first responders, and how we really worked to rebuild together. We had support pouring in from every corner of our state and all across our nation as well.

On the ground, you could feel our West Virginia spirit and our united desire to take care of one another. The spirit that defines West Virginia is one of resiliency, and while scars still remain, we have come together to make our state stronger.

Together, we’ve rebuilt homes, celebrated the reopening of brand news schools, and put our communities and main streets that connect us back together again.

I ask that all West Virginians join me today in remembering the 23 lives we lost, and to recommit ourselves to always displaying the compassion and the strength that makes us proud West Virginians.”

SEN. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO