BUCHANAN, VA — Samaritan’s Purse volunteers are working in Buchanan County, Virginia, where floodwaters left neighborhoods waterlogged and hundreds of residents fleeing their homes after more than 8 inches of rain fell on the area in a matter of hours, Tuesday, July 12.

More than 100 homes in the flood zone of the nearby Dismal River were damaged or destroyed by the destructive deluge.

Lorenzo Torres, Samaritan’s Purse:

“Samaritan’s Purse is responding to the devastating flash flooding that happened in Buchanan County, Virginia. This area experienced eight inches of rain in two hours. Many hills gave way, the water came rushing down the streams, and knocked many homes off of their foundations. A lot of homes have had several inches of mud, rock, and silt inside of them, and these folks really need your support and your prayers.”

Mandy Ward, Homeowner:

“It was just scary, and it happened so fast.”

Jason Ward, Homeowner:

“It started as just a normal rainstorm, and the next thing you know, just complete devastation in this area.”

Lorenzo Torres, Samaritan’s Purse:

“Samaritan’s Purse is helping homeowners retrieve their precious mementos, their personal belongings, and then we’re mucking out their houses. We’re also doing chainsaw work, picking up debris out of people’s yards, and also doing some heavy equipment work to help the community get back in shape. This devastated community needs your prayers and support, but most importantly, we need you to come alongside of us and help these devastated folks. Please visit spvolunteer.org and see how you can get involved.”

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

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