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Photo Archive Home • VDEM Facilities • Public Education and Outreach • Response and Recovery • Training and Exercises

What's in Response and Recovery

Hurricanes and Floods

Hurricane Gustav (2008)
October Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding (2006)
Tropical Depression Ernesto (2006)
Hurricane Gaston (2004)
Hurricane Isabel (2003)
Flash Floods, Buchanan County (2002)
Southwest Virginia Floods (2002)
Southwest Virginia Floods (2001)
Hurricane Floyd, City of Franklin Flood (1999)

Tornadoes

April 28 Tornadoes (2008)
School Tornado Drills

Other Weather Events

Hazmat Activities

Overturned Tractor Trailer, Suffolk (2003)
I-64 Multiple Vehicle Accident (2000)

Anti-terrorism Activities

Pentagon Damage (Sept. 11, 2001 attack)
Fairfax SAR Homecoming (2001)

Response and Recovery

Flash Floods, Buchanan County (2002)

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Flash flood damage in Buchanan County

Above photos by Suzanne Simmons, VDEM

Recovery in community of Hurley, Buchanon County

Several weeks after floods devastated Buchanan County's remote mountain community of Hurley last Spring, Mary Parker, public affairs reservist, visited the community to see how it was dealing with the disaster.

Getting around this area is normally arduous as travelers must navigate deep, narrow valleys and twisting roads that seem to switch back on each other. When floodwaters washed out bridges and roadways, it became more difficult. The rugged terrain made use of cell phones impossible in many areas.

With a camera in hand, she documented scenes of devastation and recovery as citizens rallied to the enormous task of rebuilding their lives and community. She interviewed residents and found a strong spirit of community, resiliency and neighbor helping neighbor in the face of loss.

Crews began rebuilding abutments where raging floodwaters erased bridges across normally placid creeks. While roadways and bridges awaited reconstruction, vehicles forded shallow streambeds to get from one place to another.

The center of the tiny community, including the post office and general store, was badly damaged. Once neatly stacked goods ended up in a muddy pile. Heavy equipment arrived to help residents dig out. Volunteers from AmeriCorps pitched in where needed during the crisis.