Research suggests West Virginia is in a state of emergency due to severe flash flooding, with at least five deaths and three missing persons...
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- Research suggests West Virginia is in a state of emergency due to severe flash flooding, with at least five deaths and three missing persons.
- It seems likely that the flooding, triggered by torrential rains, caused the partial collapse of an apartment building in Fairmont, Marion County.
- The evidence leans toward significant infrastructure damage, with ongoing rescue operations and the National Guard mobilized.
Incident Overview
West Virginia has been hit by catastrophic flash flooding, leading Governor Patrick Morrisey to declare a state of emergency. The flooding, which began on June 14, 2025, has resulted in at least five fatalities, including a 3-year-old child, and left three people missing. The deluge, with 2.5 to 4 inches of rain falling in 30 minutes, caused widespread damage, including the partial collapse of the Fairmont Village Apartment building in Fairmont, trapping residents.
Emergency Response
Governor Morrisey has mobilized the National Guard and is working with FEMA to support rescue efforts. Rescue teams are using drones, search dogs, and swift water personnel to search for missing individuals, with 19 swift water rescues completed so far. Approximately 2,500 power outages have been reported, and residents are advised to avoid roads due to flood dangers.
Ongoing Concerns
Meteorologists warn of additional rain, which could worsen the situation. The community is urged to stay vigilant as rescue operations continue.
On June 14, 2025, West Virginia faced a severe natural disaster as flash flooding, triggered by torrential rains, led to multiple fatalities, missing persons, and significant structural damage, including the partial collapse of an apartment building in Fairmont. This report provides a comprehensive examination of the incident, drawing on news reports, official statements, and social media updates, with a focus on the current date of June 16, 2025.
Incident Timeline and Details
The flash flooding began on the night of June 14, 2025, when 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell within 30 minutes in Wheeling and Ohio County, according to AP News. This rapid deluge overwhelmed local waterways, leading to swift flash flooding that affected areas such as Triadelphia, Valley Grove, and Fairmont in Marion County. The flooding was described as a "unicorn event" by meteorologists, with 3 to 4 inches of water accumulating in less than an hour, making it extremely difficult to manage .
By early Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025, the situation escalated in Marion County, with extensive damage reported to bridges, roads, and homes . A critical incident was the partial collapse of the Fairmont Village Apartment building in Fairmont, which trapped several residents WBOY. Emergency calls to Marion County 911 reached at least 165 since the storms began at 1 p.m. on June 15, including reports of water rescues, flooded roadways, rockslides, downed lines, and trees .
Casualties and Missing Persons
As of June 16, 2025, at least five people have been confirmed dead, including a 3-year-old child, with three residents still missing . Rescue operations, which extended into the early hours of June 16, have completed 19 swift water rescues, focusing on areas from the Ohio state line to Wheeling Creek, searching banks, submerged vehicles, and debris .
Building Collapse Details
The partial collapse of the Fairmont Village Apartment building in Fairmont was a direct result of the flooding, with no transports for injuries reported, suggesting minor or no serious injuries among trapped residents WBOY. A section of Locust Avenue was closed, with a detour via Fairmont State University campus, and multiple cars in the apartment parking lot were totaled. Residents were evacuated to the Falcon Center on the Fairmont State campus for shelter .
Infrastructure and Community Impact
The flooding caused major infrastructure damage, including roads, bridges, highways, and natural gas lines, particularly in Wheeling and Ohio County . Eyewitness reports from X posts highlighted chaotic scenes, with vehicles swept into swollen creeks, people seeking safety in trees, and a mobile home catching fire . In Fairmont, dozens of people were stuck in their homes or cars, with some on second floors due to rising waters . Approximately 2,500 power outages were reported in Ohio County as of Sunday afternoon, with restoration efforts underway .
Emergency Response and Official Actions
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for Marion County and Ohio County on Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, due to the continuing threat to health, safety, welfare, and property . The National Guard was mobilized to support emergency operations, and state resources were dispatched immediately . The governor, working closely with FEMA, urged residents to stay off roads and not underestimate the flood's strength, stating, "Please — stay off the roads. Do not underestimate the strength and speed of these floods. Pray for our friends and neighbors during this challenging time for our state" .
Weather and Ongoing Concerns
Meteorologists warn that more rain and flooding are possible, with additional storms expected, which could exacerbate the situation . Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and advising residents to remain vigilant, with curfews and safety measures in place, particularly in downtown Fairmont.
Community Response and Social Media Insights
Real-time updates on X provided critical insights into the situation. Posts from users like
@nicksortor
and @ExxAlerts
highlighted the apartment building collapse in Fairmont, with reports of people trapped and more rain expected (nicksortor X post, ExxAlerts X post). Other posts detailed the severity in Wheeling, with vehicles swept away and gas leaks reported, underscoring the community's struggle .Key Citations
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