GRUNDY, Va. – UPDATE
Everyone is now accounted for after 44 were originally reported missing following severe flooding in Buchanan County, according to the sheriff.
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Buchanan County authorities held a briefing at noon on Thursday.
Authorities have urged everyone to stay away from impacted areas over the next several weeks and stated that looting will not be tolerated. Local and state police will be patroling regularly.
As of 12 p.m., three roads remain closed.
Operations are expected to wrap up Thursday afternoon.
Donations needed
Twin Valley Elementary School is being used as a donation site, and authorities said the biggest need is cleaning supplies.
Cash donations can be made to the United Way.
UPDATE
Three people remain missing after severe flooding in Buchanan County, according to Virginia State Police.
Local and state police crews are currently working to locate those remaining three individuals.
Originally, authorities reported that 44 people were missing after the storms.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and many other local and state resources worked through the evening and night to locate and reunite area residents with their loved ones.
As of 6:30 a.m, Thursday morning, law enforcement has contacted 27 of the 44 reported unaccounted for since Wednesday. There are still no reports of fatalities or injuries related to the ongoing flooding.
Deputies, state troopers, and rescue groups are working to reach the remaining 17 individuals. One area of concentration is along Big Branch Road, as crews could not get to that area Wednesday due to the roads being impassable.
Emergency Management officials said the floodwaters are receding, and the county can work with the Virginia Department of Transportation crews to remove debris and mud from the roadways, re-open them, and assess damage to homes in the area.