Severe storms and flooding in West Virginia have led to one reported death and significant damage at a cemetery dating back to the early 1800s. The death occurred in Wood County when a vehicle became submerged in high water with a man trapped inside. Divers recovered the body, but no names have been released. Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Wood, Ohio, and five other counties due to the severe weather, which also caused power outages, downed trees, road blockages, and a landslide at the Wheeling Mt. Zion cemetery.
The landslide at the Ohio County cemetery affected thousands of individuals buried there, including 400 veterans. While the topsoil and monuments suffered damage, the caskets remained intact. The president of the Wheeling Mt. Zion Cemetery Corporation, Charles Yocke, expressed concern over the condition of the cemetery and stated that assistance is needed to recover from the disaster. Volunteers who care for the cemetery reported that the graves themselves were not directly impacted, but the mud slid over the top of the grass.
The severe weather in West Virginia has caused mass power outages and possible tornadoes, resulting in significant damage to the affected areas. The storms have led to downed trees, road closures, and other destruction, including the loss of about 200 tombstones at the historic cemetery. In addition to the physical damage, the storms have had a tragic human cost, with the death of an individual in Wood County. The situation has prompted Gov. Jim Justice to issue a state of emergency for multiple counties in response to the flooding and landslides.
As recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the storms, volunteers and officials are working to assess and address the damage to the affected areas in West Virginia. The Wheeling Mt. Zion Cemetery Corporation is seeking assistance to repair the damage caused by the landslide, which affected the topsoil and monuments at the burial site. While the graves themselves are believed to be intact, the organization is working to ensure that the cemetery is restored to its proper condition and that the individuals buried there are honored and respected.
The devastation caused by the severe storms and flooding serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. The loss of life and damage to property and historic sites highlight the importance of preparedness and response in the face of natural disasters. As West Virginia continues to recover from the recent weather events, efforts to support those affected and restore the affected areas will be crucial in rebuilding and moving forward from the tragedy. The resilience and unity of the community in coming together to aid in the recovery and restoration process demonstrate the strength and compassion of the people of West Virginia in the face of adversity.