aAuthorities in a remote corner of southwestern Virginia have identified more than half 44 people who were reported missing after devastating floods that washed away roads and damaged more than 100 houses.
Buchanan County Sheriff John McClanahan On Thursday, he said crews from state and local agencies worked through the night to locate and reunite residents with loved ones. McClanahan said in a statement that authorities had contacted 27 people, leaving 17 people missing. He said there were no reports of injuries or deaths.
Buchanan County first responders began receiving reports of rising water and damage Tuesday night. Several small communities in the Virginia county bordering West Virginia and Kentucky were affected.
Virginia floods damage homes, urgent rescue calls
Deputy Chief of the County Mayor’s Office Eric Breeding Wednesday said the number of people missing depends on relatives trying to contact a resident in an area where phone service may be limited or no phone service.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in trouble or in danger. They’re just telling us we need to check on these people,” Breding told reporters.
McClanahan said Thursday that floodwaters are receding and the county is working with Virginia Department of Transportation crews to assess damage to homes and remove debris and mud from roads to reopen.
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