Flood 85

 

The sources contain significant information regarding a major flood that occurred in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, in November 1985. The flood caused widespread destruction and impacted many communities, particularly Marlinton. Here is a summary of information about the flood from the sources:

Impact of the Flood:

• The flood was described as being between a "five hundred" and "thousand year" flood.
• It caused extensive damage in Marlinton, with 61 businesses experiencing damage ranging from $1,000 to $2,000,000, and 363 homes damaged, with 60 sustaining damages over $100,000.
• The flood affected areas beyond Marlinton, including Cass, Seebert, Durbin, and Bartow.
• Roads and bridges were washed out, and there was significant damage to infrastructure, including water and sewer systems.
• Many homes and mobile homes were washed away or moved off of their foundations. Some were even washed into other structures.
• Businesses such as Burns Motor Freight and the Marlinton Post Office experienced significant water damage and losses.
• The Pocahontas Times office had about five feet of water, and all machinery was covered in mud.
• The Marlinton Municipal Building was flooded, and water covered the fire trucks and ambulances.
• The floodwaters reached the second floor of Pocahontas Memorial Hospital, requiring patients to be moved.
• Schools in the area, including Marlinton Elementary and Middle Schools, suffered extensive damage.

Causes and Timing of the Flood:

• The flood occurred on Monday, November 4, 1985.
• Heavy rains over the weekend and on Monday are considered to have caused the flood.
• Rain gauges in the Marlinton area measured between 7 and 7 1/2 inches of rain.
• The National Weather Service did not predict the magnitude of the flood.
• The water began to recede around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Flood Response and Relief Efforts:

• Many volunteer groups, including the National Guard and fire departments, provided assistance.
• The Salvation Army canteen truck was a regular supplier of hot food to flood victims and workers in Marlinton.
• The Pizza Hut in Richwood served pizza for several days at the Bank of Marlinton lot.
• A National Guard field kitchen was set up on the Bank lot.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Pocahontas County a major disaster area.
• The Mennonite Disaster Service offered to evaluate the possibility of replacing houses on their foundations.
• A Disaster Assistance Center was set up at the Marlinton School gym.
• Special assistance was available for flood victims from Gibson Appliance Co. and Rexrode's Home Appliances.
• Alpine Brook Mobile Home Park offered reduced rates for flood victims.
• The American Red Cross provided assistance to families affected by the floods.
• The State Bar of West Virginia announced a statewide toll-free disaster relief hotline for flood victims.
• The Pocahontas County Health Department scheduled a shipment of tetanus vaccine.
• Many individuals and families helped with clean-up efforts.
• Multiple businesses offered discounts to help those impacted by the flood.
• The Department of Highways was arranging for the removal of flood-damaged structures.

Additional details

• The flood caused multiple deaths.
• The flood affected several state parks, and some campgrounds and roads were closed.
• There was concern about looting, and some arrests were made.
• The Huntersville dump was enlarged to accommodate the influx of flood-related debris.
• The flood impacted the town of Cass significantly, washing out the road east of the bridge and several buildings.
• A number of camps along the river at Seebert were damaged or destroyed.
• The Greenbrier River rose significantly during the flood.

The sources show the community's response to the flood, including volunteers and organizations that came to help, and document the widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure.