After years of stalled progress, West Virginia is moving forward with long-awaited flood risk assessments in two major river basins, nearly a decade after catastrophic flooding in 2016 claimed 23 lives. The state is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies in the Kanawha River Basin and the Upper Guyandotte River Basin, aiming to better understand and mitigate ongoing flood threats.

The Kanawha River Basin study will cover 20 counties, while the Upper Guyandotte study will focus on Wyoming and Raleigh counties. Both projects are funded by a combined \$1.5 million in state contributions, marking a significant, though long-overdue, step toward flood preparedness in one of the most flood-prone states in the U.S.

Despite this progress, West Virginia has yet to fund its 2023 flood resiliency trust, continuing a pattern of underinvestment in mitigation efforts. For decades, various flood protection plans have remained unimplemented, even as flood frequency and damage have increased. Experts note that the state’s current approach has left many communities vulnerable to recurring disasters.

Flooding remains the most persistent and costly natural hazard in West Virginia. The state’s steep terrain, widespread deforestation, and intense rainfall events create ideal conditions for flash flooding. A dense network of rivers and creeks runs through areas already weakened by the legacy impacts of coal mining and logging. These factors, combined with the increasing severity of storms due to climate change, are overwhelming drainage systems and inundating communities with greater frequency.

Adding to the risk is the reliance on outdated federal flood maps, which many researchers believe significantly underestimate the true scope of vulnerability. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identifies about 9% of properties in the state as at risk of flooding, independent analyses suggest that closer to one-third of all properties may actually lie within high-risk zones. This discrepancy can lead to insufficient insurance coverage, inadequate building standards, and a lack of preparedness among residents.

Many critical facilities—including schools, hospitals, and emergency services—are located within these high-risk areas. Yet funding gaps and bureaucratic delays have repeatedly stalled the implementation of flood mitigation strategies. As a result, flood damage continues to mount year after year, with little relief for the most affected communities.

The newly launched studies are expected to offer a clearer picture of flood risk and help inform future infrastructure planning and disaster response. However, without consistent funding and political commitment to implement recommendations, the threat will persist. The success of these assessments depends on whether they lead to concrete actions, including updated floodplain maps, strengthened building codes, community education, and investment in protective infrastructure.

As climate change accelerates and storms grow more severe, the need for a comprehensive, well-funded flood resilience strategy in West Virginia becomes increasingly urgent. The state’s current efforts represent a critical starting point—but only sustained action will ensure long-term safety and stability for its most vulnerable communities.