MAXWELTON, W.V. — Four days after a huge thunderstorm cut a vicious path across most of southern West Virginia, members of the W.Va. National Guard, State Police and public works say Greenbrier County is in desperate need of water, ice, food and generators.

During a visit to Greenbrier County, July 2, Congressman Nick Rahall said “it’s tough to ask for additional patience when you’re in these circumstances but please remain patient and know that everyone is doing all they can to help.”

Rahall took notes of all the big issues notated by the officials in the Emergency Operations Center, staging out of the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department.

“This is a worse situation than what a lot of people think,” West Virginia State Police Sgt. Andy Evans said. “There’s nowhere to dispose of trash and all that rotten food from thawed-out freezers has to go somewhere. We need dumpsters and generators badly.”

According to the county EMA director, 80 percent of Greenbrier County is still without power. With temperatures reaching 90 degrees and forecasted to climb, many fear an influx of dehydration in young children and the elderly.

“The National Guard, along with county emergency officials, is supporting the relief efforts by distributing bottled water to shelters and distribution points,” said Army Maj. Brad McGee, the Liaison Officer for Greenbrier County. “We’ve distributed 170 pallets of water so far. Wal-Mart and K-Mart donated water immediately after the storm hit and FEMA continues to truck in water from Charleston.”

The county has requested 10,000 heater meals and meals, ready-to-eat, but has not received a date of delivery as yet. When the meals arrive, they will be distributed to the current shelters and distribution locations.

“One of the issues with getting food and ice is that the regional distribution centers were affected by the storm so we’re reaching further out to get these products,” McGee said. “We’re currently waiting for a shipment of ice but it’s coming all the way from Louisiana.”

With a population of 35,000, the Guard and public service agencies have their work cut out for them. As power is slowly restored to various businesses, Rahall asked that “businesses continue to do what they can to provide services to the community. For those residents with power, I hope you will continue to reach out to those without by providing food, cool air and other necessities.”

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