SOCI200-D01_Community Observation Assignment_Strength Through the Storm: West Virginia Flooding of 2026
Updated: Aug 26
Strength Through the Storm: West Virginia Flooding of 2026
What Was Observed During the Experience?
No one was really prepared for what nature had in store for my home state of West Virginia. Nor do I think anyone was anticipating the magnitude of inclement weather and what was to transpire over the Summer of 2026. In late July, the people of West Virginia would experience all-new historical record of heavy downfall of rain in such a short period of time that would cause devastating flooding and catastrophic damage to the communities. Those that were severely impacted and suffered the most from this treacherous storm left many stranded, homeless, without food, and sadly, many were injured along with two individuals that were reported to have perished as result in the extent from the viscous waters this storm left behind (Speck, 2026).
This was clearly a rude awakening for the residents of West Virginia as there had only been one other significant event where the suffering of great flooding swept across the lands of West Virginia. This would be the talk among communities about the “Big Flood of ‘85” or what some describe as “the Election Floods” or “the Killer Floods of 1985.” The floods of ’85 resulted in the reports of 47 deaths, damaged more than 9,000 homes that would lead to federal declarations in 29 counties (Batty, 2024). I can recall my parents always mentioning this disastrous event seen it took place seven years before I was born. Fast forward to 46 years later, and West Virginians would unfortunately have to relive this awful experience yet again had they been around for the first experience.
How Did the Experience Affect You?
I would have to first and foremost say that I was very much blessed and grateful that my immediate family and I were not as drastically affected as many others in the county or the neighboring counties such as Lewis County. I live in Upshur County, one of the main five that received the most devastation from the flooding. Particularly where I reside in the county, we didn’t get hit as badly even though it was still more than enough to cause extreme damage. However, I believe the terrain and leveling of the earth’s surface by living on a hill with not much area likely to cause flooding would give some reason to our undeserved sense (thankful) of survival. Lewis County was not so fortunate as they took most of the hit from the storm and made national news. West Virginians have this unique and recognizable trait of tradition, pride, and community.
I will go ahead and make it clear that I believe it does not matter where you go, what culture it is, or how peaceful of a location may seem, there are still likely to be people who quarrel amongst each other even if it is towards their own culture or people of residency. I state this because there was some eerie but humble silence in the air throughout the areas that this storm affected. What I mean is that I had not seen my community or other surrounding communities around the state of West Virginia perhaps come together as greatly as a collective to what I can witness personally and shown by other towns from the help of the media and what they do best. I suppose it was rather necessary, to say the least, to react in a state of urgency and support. Natural disasters call for natural reactions in the line of support for our humankind, unless of course you are a heartless buffoon.
Everyone was affected in some way or another regardless if the storm even blew but a blade of grass from their property. A sense of stillness among the people of West Virginia and the Ohio Valley—affected or not— this monumental storm still made its impact in the hearts of many. We all took that same moment to breathe, observe, and reflect with honest ears and eyes that came with understanding that our stately neighborhood was in a deep call of emergency.
Was I very much affected in some way, shape, or form? Absolutely.
It is still affecting us as the rehabilitation process will be an extensive one; and repair to not just the infrastructure, homes, and properties but the spirit of its residents will be in great need of uplifting support as much. What makes this community observation assignment even more entertaining is that we are still currently undergoing bizarre weather patterns for more severe storms and flooding such as I write at this moment. I was no more or less stricken than anyone else by understanding that I am now a part of history in the event of natural disasters in the state of West Virginia having been born, raised, and lived most of my life in our commonly called “Wild and Wonderful” state of West Virginia. A dawning moment to remember for sure by witnessing the extent of what Nature’s power can do among our homeland.
What Are the Needs of the Population That You Interacted with For This Assignment?
There was no doubt, no hesitation, or no denying that support was surely imminent. Those who were stranded, and some now homeless, injured and/or sick, needed immediate care with the supplies for food, healthcare, and necessities that were now lacking. I didn’t even mention yet all the many businesses that the storm either took out or caused not to be in operation for some time most of that week. The high level of flooding made it difficult to commute and travel as the time in which it took for the high waters to finally vanish seemed almost unreachable in those moments of desperation. Communities were frightened to understand that if we were to get even a fraction more of what had just hit us, we would seriously see ourselves on a small-scale Noah’s Ark parody story where geographically everything would appear to be underwater.
All sorts of community groups and sources for outreach were being utilized. This would include help from the church community to all first responder teams, the National Guard, large and small local businesses, the West Virginia Wesleyan College, state road and park authorities, independent support, government agencies and other volunteer networks (Williams, 2026). If you could name any community support group, they were probably there.
How Can You Help Make a Difference with This Group?
As a former Boy Scout and current Eagle Scout of my local community in my hometown, I knew pretty much where to begin my inquiry for getting involved with doing my part helping among the community. The Scouts of America Troops in my hometown is where I began my service to community outreach and then seen myself later at our West Virginia Wesleyan College. The college had many supplies and food in the gymnasiums. Since I have a large truck that could be used, I had loaded many household supplies to deliver to those who were not able to make their way to town to stock up on necessities and food. I also do some bike riding around the town from time to time if my body is feeling well enough for it. So, on another day when I was feeling well, I took a ride through the town, as I sometimes do, and personally took upon myself to make several stops to clear away some left-over rock and debris off the roads that others may have missed and could still potentially cause danger to drivers on the road.
I seem to always have a place with the Scouting Association as that is where I spent all of my time outside of school growing up. It was the perfect source for volunteering for the community, staying active, and building a growing relationship with the outdoors. Many think that is all scouting is about— earning patches and making campfires. It is so much more than what people may think. There are plenty of things to do, experience, and learn from in the field of Scouting— pretty much a great way to approach life and its many lessons to be learned. This tragic event from Nature’s vehement depths of power surely made its mark on the current standing of the residents of West Virginia. However, they way many handle emergencies and other urgent matters among the community, there is always surely someone to lend support.
As I ponder on the observation of the devastation from the flooding, the Scripture versus of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 resonates with me not only because many came together to lift each other up in many ways, but from bearing the experience with loss and homelessness in my own life, it was very hard for me finally reach out to ask for help. These acts of service greatly demonstrated functionalism among the communities of West Virginia affected by the storm. There was unity among the community for relying on each other and great social outreach, as mentioned by Knox in our textbook (2023, p. 178). This is when conflict theory would not be so beneficially inclusive of the matter. Many of us, such as myself, can be very stubborn to humble ourselves enough so that if someone is truly seeking to lend their care and support then we should be respectfully receptive of their offer. This also sends communication to someone and potentially their impression of you as a person. So, not only is it credible to be giving, but open enough to be receiving likewise.
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Scofield Study Bible, 2003).
References
Batty, K. T. (2024, February 20). Flood of 1985. e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia.
Knox, J. (2023). Sociology is Rude!: A Conversation on Sociological Theory and Thought.
Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
Rice, O. (n.d.). Flood of 1985. e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. West Virginia
Humanities Council. https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/2132.
Scofield Study Bible: King James Version. (2003). Oxford University Press.
Speck, E. (2026, July 22). 2 dead after historic flooding swamps West Virginia. AccuWeather. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/2-dead-after-historic-flooding- swamps-west-virginia/1914202.
Williams, J. (2026, July 31). Powerful storms slam Midwest for sixth straight day as flooding
threat continues. Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/weather
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