In the early morning of May 9, 2009, a devastating flood, the largest natural disaster in its history, struck Gilbert, West Virginia, home of the famous Hatfield McCoy riding area.
Approximately 4000 homes sustained significant damage or were completely destroyed in Mingo County.
There were four other counties in both West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky that also sustained significant dwelling and business losses.
Many areas were left impassable by either National Guard or by citizens attempting to enter or exit flood areas because of the extreme damage to roads and bridges.
The National Guard deployed 400 troops into Gilbert and the surrounding regions and the US Air Force arrived with a busload of airmen to assist.
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army have been in the area since May 9th distributing supplies to the needy and feeding the troops.
The town of Gilbert suffered severely tremendously with extensive water and mud damage to homes and businesses and both schools within the city limits were damaged due to water and mud damage.
Roads were extensively damaged because of wash-outs, fallen bridges and collapsed retaining walls. Total estimation of cost will certainly reach into the millions of dollars.
If you’d like to help out these folks, send your support or dollars to: Gilbert Flood Relief Fund, PO Box 1098, Gilbert, WV 25621. If you’re planning an ATV trip and need an update on conditions in the Hatfield McCoy area, log onto www.trailsheaven.com.
