Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 4-25-2024

College/Unit

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program/Center

Geology and Geography

Abstract

Flooding has impacted all 55 counties in West Virginia (WV), resulting in 27 federally declared disasters between 1996 and 2017. Over the past 52 years, more than 282 West Virginians have lost their lives due to floods. From 2010 to 2021 alone, the state experienced over 1,600 flood events. A state flood protection plan is in place, but it has been updated once since 2004. Despite this, flooding remains the most prevalent and widespread disaster in WV—one that is growing more frequent and severe due to the accelerating effects of climate change.

To better understand the issue, we conducted a historical analysis of flooding in select WV counties, alongside an in-depth case study of recent flood-induced disasters in Southern West Virginia. Our research approaches the complexity of flooding through multiple lenses—political, environmental, social, and economic—to develop a well-rounded understanding of both causes and consequences.

Additionally, we conducted outreach to local high schools to support the expansion of West Virginia University's Center for Resilient Communities’ (CRC) Resilience Ambassador Program. This initiative empowers young people with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare for and respond to flooding hazards—fostering the next generation of leaders in building more flood-resilient communities.

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