WILLIAMSON — The Mingo County Commission and Office of Emergency Services personnel are expecting the county to be declared a national disaster area by President Barack Obama as early as Friday.

Though the national declaration has not yet been issued, local officials, the National Guard, American Red Cross and other organizations and volunteers are hard at work repairing roadways and helping victims of Saturday’s flooding recover from the devastation.

Four secured dump sites have been designated for debris collection. These sites are located on the former Lowe’s property in Matewan; the walking track in Gilbert; Trellis Cisco’s property located in front of the Varney Community Center in Varney and the foot of Horsepen Mountain near the water tank. Officials stress these sites are secured sites and are not open for public dumping.

The Mingo County Health Department has ordered 500 additional tetanus vaccinations and more will be obtained as needed. Vaccination clinics will be scheduled once the shipment is received, according to Cathy Hedon, health department director.

Hedon also said the state is providing two sanitarians who will assist with testing and other health-related needs throughout the weekend.

Significant progress has been made in clearing and repairing damaged roads. It is requested that these roads still be utilized for emergency travel only.

Emergency shelters are fully stocked with water and other supplies in a continued effort to assist flood victims.

“We are proud, as usual, of the resiliency of the people of Mingo County,” said OES Director Jarrod Fletcher. “We request their continued patience as we continue to receive supplies and work to restore the impacted areas of our county.”