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
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Update: All people reported missing have been found safe and alive. Prayers answered.
What’s great about the drone view is it shows the historic cut banks of the creek at flood stage with older houses built above it. The cut bank ignored by the owners of all the damaged houses…
Praying that all 40 are found safe and unharmed.