Heavy rains and melting snow caused widespread flooding in the Appalachian region, killing at least nine people. UMWA’s Regions I and II collected, loaded and delivered supplies to those impacted by the flooding in central Appalachia. Donations collected included bottled water, cleaning supplies, blankets and basic household goods.
The floods have highlighted the resilience of small communities to work together for collective survival in rural Appalachia, but they have also exposed a deep vulnerability of the communities, many of which are located along creeks at the base of hills and mountains with poor emergency warning systems. As short-term cleanup leads to longterm recovery efforts, residents are faced with daunting barriers that leave many facing the same flood risks repeatedly.
Region I and II Directors Mike “Biggin” Payton and Brian Lacy were impressed with the overwhelming support from the entire Appalachian area. Hundreds of donated goods were dropped at UMWA offices in Charleston, Chapmanville, Fairmont and Wheeling, West Virginia, as well as the District 2 Office in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Sub District 28 office in Castlewood, Virginia.
UMWA’s Local Union 1760 donated a truckload of supplies, Local Union 1259 donated $500 and Sub-District 28 Chaplain Corp members donated $400 to the relief fund in Buchanon County, Virginia.
EXTREME WEATHER HAS FLOODED HOMES, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES. THE UMWA PITCHES IN TO HELP VICTIMS RECOVER.
