Giles community spirit still shines through amid historic New River flood damage

Giles County – Amid historic floods and devastating damage Giles community spirit still shines through

47 families in Giles County are now homeless due to extreme flooding on the New River due to Helene. Despite his loss, Giles’ spirit is stronger than ever as the community tries to help each other.

The New River reached a height of 24.2 feet, making it the New River’s second worst flood in recorded history. For perspective, major flood stage is 18 feet. In fact, the New River rose half a meter per hour at the peak of the flood on Friday night, September 27. Heavy rains before hitting Helene made conditions worse, only contributing to the rise in river levels. The last time the New River was flooded this high was during the Great Flood of 1940. The river recedes but remains high.

Flood damage and destruction can be found in many locations throughout the county, with the Narrows, Richcreek, Eggleston, Pembroke and Newport areas along the New River hardest hit.

Giles County Emergency Services Coordinator John Butler, a lifelong county native, said this is the worst he’s ever seen there.

“The damage to some campsites and low-lying areas is catastrophic,” Butler said.

At the peak of the flood, the town of Narrows was submerged. Officially known as Anna’s Restaurant, The Iron Skillet is a beloved community restaurant located in the heart of downtown Narrows. The restaurant, like many other businesses on the main street, was flooded and badly damaged. About a foot of water stood in front of the restaurant. The business lost all its food supplies. Although the owners are determined to rebuild, the cost is certain to be high. The community came together to volunteer to help with the cleanup as soon as the water receded.

Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Iron Skillet while touring flood damage in Southwest Virginia.

Read more about Younkin’s visit Here:

Town Manager Terry Nicholson said the supermarket as well as the campgrounds were severely affected by the flooding. This included a caravan park beyond the camp range where most of the trailers were destroyed and one house was damaged.

Resident CJ Meador lived there for 15 years. His trailer was swept away by floodwater and traveled about 50 metres, striking another trailer on the property.

Even though Meador told 10 News he couldn’t swim, he helped evacuate an elderly man from the trailer next door, saving him from waist-high floodwaters. They were the last two people left in the park. Thank goodness everyone escaped safely.

River View Campground in the Narrows is another location hard hit by flooding. The campsite was devastated. Many campers, some used as permanent housing for residents, are now overturned or crushed under debris. In the days after the flood, the campground was filled with residents trying to save their belongings. Many lost everything.

County officials and WSLS were inundated with people wanting to help. Even though so much has been lost, more community spirit and generosity remains. It’s in times of tragedy like these that small communities like Giles County truly shine. You will see people helping everywhere you go.

Giles County Public Schools held a virtual school day on Monday. The students’ sole duty was to help someone in need. Everywhere 10 News went, we saw students helping out however they could. Students were seen picking up debris at the Eggleston Campground, helping a Blood Drive volunteer through the blood connection in Pearisburg, and sorting clothing donations at Protector N Paws, a nonprofit organization that also collects donations to be distributed to flood victims.

Heather Ursano, Narrows High School theater major, said Giles County is a resilient community that comes together in times of need. When students were given virtual homework, she allowed her students to choose where they wanted to go. They choose Protective N Paws. While his students volunteered, he also lined up to donate blood. “We always say there’s big pride in small town. We show this. The community really came together. It doesn’t matter if you’re Narrows, Newport, Eggleston, Pembroke, Pearisburg, it doesn’t matter if everyone comes together to help each other and that’s going to be what makes the difference in rebuilding,” Ursano said.

Giles County executive Chris McKlarney said they were impressed by the people who wanted to help. Only 1 in 47 displaced families used emergency shelter, he said.

“Giles County is taking care of itself,” McKlarney said. Even those affected are more concerned about helping others, he said.

The county established a Giles County Disaster Relief Fund to assist those affected. Monetary donations can be made at any National Bank of Blacksburg location in the New River Valley. Donations can also be made online. McKlarney said they received $50,000 in donations earlier in the week.

Companies also made various contributions.

“People look out for each other here. I think it speaks to the resilience of the community and the love they have for each other,” McKlarney said. “This was a huge storm. It’s been tough on everyone. We’re grateful for such an outpouring of support from the public.”

They even had to give people tasks to help organize volunteers. Giles created a listing on his website.

John Butler said the determination and hard work of the county’s emergency crews, both paid and volunteer, are outstanding. While many still face power outages, extra crews from Appalachian Power are working around the clock to restore power, he said, and VDOT crews are able to provide quick assistance in clearing road closures so volunteers can enter and begin cleanup.

Butler said anyone needing assistance due to flooding can contact them through the county’s website. Short-term housing arrangements are available.

Cleanup is expected to take months in some areas, but work has already begun. The small community is coming together in a big way to help neighbors in need.

Ways you can help:

• Use the form in Giles County to sign up to volunteer. website. After filling out the form, The Giles County Coordinator will contact you with additional details such as location and project.
• Monetary donations can be made at any NBB location to help flood victims or online through Giles County Disaster Relief Fund.
• Moreover donate online via this form. This portal operates in partnership with the Rotary Club of Giles County. No need to contribute to the platform and remove it from the drop-down menu before submitting your contribution!

For those who need help:

• Updates and resources, including housing, are available in Giles County. website is here.

Showers and Charging Stations:

• Riverview Baptist Church at 219 Big Stony Creek Rd. Ripplemead has charging stations, bathrooms, showers, water, food, help at local housing, etc. services are offered. For information, call 540-922-5570.

Public transport:

Food:

• Church of Hope It provides food on Wenonah Avenue in Pearisburg. For more information, call 540-921-7852.

Clothes:

• Narrows Fire Department The Events Building is located on Center Street. Anyone in need of items is encouraged to stop by.

Additional Organizations Serving the Community:

Self-reporting of damage in VDEM

Southwest Virginia residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene can self-report any damage to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) database. This information will be shared with VDEM damage assessment teams so damage can be recorded and verified with state and federal partners.

To report damage go to: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/VDEM/request.html