Disasters in West Virginia

West Virginians have experienced a variety of disasters throughout the years. While these disasters have devastated communities and families, one thing has remained ever present, the fact that West Virginians bounce back. The people have demonstrated a resilient spirit against at times heavy odds. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has two entries for the word “resilient”. First, the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress. Second, an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

Source: “Resilience.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilience.

References for Various Disasters

• Monongah Mine Disaster (December 6, 1907)

• Hawks Nest Tunnel

• Floods of 1950 (June 24-25, 1950)

• Silver Bridge Collapse (December 15, 1967)

• Farmington Mine Disaster (November 20, 1968)

• Marshall University Plane Crash (November 14, 1970)

• Buffalo Creek Flood (February 26, 1972)

• Willow Island Tower Collapse (April 27, 1978)

• Snowstorm of 1978 (January 20, 1978)

• Floods of 1985 (November 7, 1985)

• Drought of 1999 (August 2, 1999)

Helpful Links

The West Virginia Encyclopedia e-WV

West Virginia Disaster Recovery Office RISE WV Program

West Virginia Department of Homeland Security Disaster Preparedness

West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Preparedness