There is no doubt the communities that make up the Tug Valley area in Mingo, Pike and Martin counties have had their share of disasters when it comes to flooding throughout the years.

Most everyone with a few years on them remembers the historic 1977 flood, the worst flood on record, that literally changed the landscape of the valley forever.

Then 1984 came with more devastating, muddy floodwaters from the Tug Fork and its tributaries. That was the second-highest flood in history – until now – with this most recent disaster, which is now the second-worst flood in our history.

The water crested at Williamson at around 49 feet, just a few feet under the 1977 crest. The 1977 flood is the highest on record and was estimated at 55 feet in downtown Williamson during that cold April.

Those who still live along the river always have to be on alert when heavy rains start to fall in the McDowell County communities of Welch, Bradshaw and other towns. When I heard that the Hurley, Virginia, and Knox Creek area was getting hit hard, I also knew that was not good news for residents in our immediate area.

I grew up in Nolan and have seen many floods throughout the years. I lived through the 1977 flood and was still at home with my late father. As I got older and got into the media professions, both local radio and newspaper, I covered many major and minor floods. In 1984, I helped cover that flood in downtown Williamson with the Williamson Daily News. I spent a night by myself broadcasting from the studios of WBTH-WXCC, providing flood updates during what was considered a minor flood, but it still blocked some roads and flooded some homes in the area.

So you learn a few things throughout the years when you hear about the rain and conditions at the headwaters of the Tug Fork River.

I told my wife Vicki – before the power went out – that the crest the “experts” predicted would be way off and that this could be one of our worst floods ever. Unfortunately, I was correct in my prediction. In fact, it was the second-highest crest ever.

Many people may have thought they were safe and did not get out when they should have. It is one thing to replace belongings and rebuild, but never take a chance with your life.

There were many brave firemen, volunteers, and others who rescued residents in boats.

Some residents had to wade out in waist-deep, cold river water.

Flooding is a terrible disaster. It leaves behind a mess and destroys everything it touches. It is something you cannot imagine unless you live through it.

Many local government officials stepped up after the disaster, as did many other good Samaritans who have been volunteering to hand out bottled water, food and other supplies.

Of course, infrastructure gets hit hard in times like these. Water, electricity, roads and other much-needed things are affected and makes it tougher for cleanup. Then there is communication during a time of disaster. In past years, people mainly depended on local radio for up-to-date announcements when they went into emergency broadcasting mode. We tried to tune in to some local radio with my old battery powered transistor radio the weekend of the flooding, but it was only able to pick up one station with canned music format. We sat in the cold by candlelight, but this was not the first time either of us had experienced this.

Of course, nowadays people depend on social media for communication, but when the power and internet go out – we are left in the dark – literally.

Hats off to the power companies who got the electricity back much sooner than expected.

Take into consideration that we got a winter storm with snow and cold right after the flood as people were trying to start the cleanup and repairs – it made it even tougher for the road to recovery.

Personally, Vicki and I were high and dry, but we had many friends that were affected. Then we had both been battling the flu and me with some stomach issues.

It takes a while for things to get back to “normal.” For some it will never be the same.

Cudos to those volunteers who have helped out at distribution centers with food and other supplies, along with a number of designated warming centers that were set up in Mingo County at the Williamson Fieldhouse, Mingo Central High School, the Lenore Community Center, the Kermit High Gym, Christian Help of Kermit, Delbarton Town Hall and Opry House, Matewan Town Hall and at Belfry High School in Kentucky. Many churches have also helped out and several of our local athletes from our surrounding schools have pitched in to help with the cleanup. It’s great to see our youth stepping up like this.

The Appalachian people of our area are resilient and will bounce back like they have in the past.

Prayers for those flooded and for those who are assisting those who had damage and other issues during this trying time.

Things will be better soon and spring is right around the corner.

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)