More than 40 people unaccounted for after severe storms and floods hit Virginia, U.S.

Severe storms hit parts of Virginia on July 12, 2022, causing major flooding in Buchanan County where more than 100 homes were damaged and 44 people were unaccounted for, as of July 14.

Officials said the number of unaccounted people reflects those that have been reported to law enforcement by loved ones and family members as being unable to make contact with them.

“We have 44 individuals unaccounted for at this time due to the flooding event that has occurred in the Whitewood area of Buchanan County,” the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office said.

“This number reflects the number of people that have been reported to law enforcement by loved ones and family members as being unable to make contact with them.

 “This does not mean the person is missing, it means we are attempting to reach and locate the person and check on their wellbeing. At this time we have no confirmed fatalities.”

The flooding was concentrated in the Dismal River Road area of the county. Other areas affected included Patterson, Hale Creek, Pilgrim’s Knob, Whitewood and Jewell Valley.

“A lot of roadways are blocked by landslides,” Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Bill Chrimes said.

“Bridges are washed out. It’s going to take time to get that access restored, make contact with everyone and make sure their basic needs are taken care of.”

There are no reports of deaths or injuries, the sheriff’s office said on July 14, adding that everyone has been accounted for.

Featured image credit: VA State Police

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