Salem community cleaning up after flooding

SALEM, W.Va. (WBOY) — After an evacuation in Salem due to heavy flooding Thursday night, the community is coming together to help clean-up some of the damages.

At around 10 p.m. on Thursday, Salem City Manager Jeff Edwards told a 12 News reporter that the city recommend an evacuation for certain areas, especially for residents who live below the reservoir dams . The quick rain caused the water to rise in nearby creeks and dams in just two hours, flooding much of the town.

While Edwards has seen floods before, he said that he has heard this was almost as bad as the flood that happened there around 85 years ago. Luckily, there was no major damage reported, and the water did go back down quickly.

“Given the situation and how fast everything came in, between the police department, the fire department, the public works, Doddridge County Assist, State of West Virginia, I really want to thank the team for coming together to help protect the community and its citizens.”

A 12 News reporter visited the city on Friday to see the damage, and many businesses were closed to clean-up their buildings. Edwards said the East Main Street area was hit the worst.

Owners of the Apple Butter Shop saw damage to some of the items inside their building. When our 12 News reporter walked into the shop, they were clearing damaged items out and there was still water and mud on the floors. Those helping the clean up the inside had showed the reporter that the flood water came up five bricks high to the store.

An owner of the Nicholson Auto Shop said that the water came just above their steps, almost to their door. However, it did not get in and damage anything.

Edwards told 12 News that he wants to thank all of the people who have offered to help with the cleanup efforts.

“I’ve had several places call me this morning offering any help. Whether it be business owners or other government departments or entities. It’s been a good outpouring of support from surrounding areas,” he said.

On Saturday, the Lions Club District 29 will be meeting at the Apple Butter Shop to help clean up businesses in that area.

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