Flooded Mingo County communities start the clean-up process

KERMIT, W.Va. (WSAZ) - After water finally receded, the damage in portions of Mingo County, including Kermit, Fairview and Marrowbone Creek, is coming to light.

Those areas were cut off from the rest of the world after high water overtook everything in its wake.

The pavement is caked in mud, and it’s the same story with houses and cars -- even trampolines.

In Kermit, Fire Chief Tommy Preece says it has been one of the most challenging times of his career.

“It really has been a critical situation the last two or three days,” Preece said.

The old Kermit Gym has opened its doors to serve people from across Mingo County and beyond -- supplying essential items from several local partners including Mingo County Schools.

Kermit Mayor Charles Sparks says there is a long road ahead.

“Just clean up, clean up, try to get people water, food and medicine, oxygen, just try to take care of them. Anything we can do, they can come here and pick out what they need, clothes food, that we get, hopefully were gonna get some more,” Sparks said.