Damage assessment progressing from Spencer flood

SPENCER, W.Va. — The cleanup from last week’s flooding in Roane County goes on. Officials now say around 150 buildings experienced some level of flood damage in the town.

“Our rough estimate right now is around 150 homes and businesses,” said Roane County Deputy Emergency Services Director Mitchell McCumbers.

McCumbers said National Guard troops have been in Roane County since the flood waters receded Thursday evening. The troops are picking up debris carried to the curbs of flooded homes. The work will end Monday night and he encouraged anyone with debris to call the county’s non-emergency 911 number to have a scheduled pickup.

The flood was historic. Many said they’ve never seen water at the level it reached last week in a town which has seen its share of floods over the years.

“They are prone to flooding, but not to this extent,” McCumbers said. “We’ve talked to people who’ve lived in this area 30, 40, or 50 years and they have never seen anything of this magnitude.”

McCumbers said most in the town are tired, but are making progress to get cleaned up and back on their feet.