February flooding Archives < Appalachian Voices

‘Nobody Is Coming to Save Us:’ Building McDowell County, West Virginia, After February Floods

By Abby Hassler | July 24, 2025 |

The Tug Fork River in Welch, W.Va., after the February floods. Local and regional organizations and mutual aid networks provided support in McDowell County and other impacted communities. Some people, like Big Stone Gap, Va., resident Lauren Albrecht, came from out of state to deliver supplies and assist. Photo by Lauren Albrecht

Before Feb. 15, the worst floods to hit the town of Welch in McDowell County, West Virginia, were in 1977, followed by 2001 and 2002.