Gas outage on Charleston's West Side prompts emergency declaration, National Guard mobilization

"In light of the prolonged duration of this major gas outage on Charleston's West Side, which has left over a thousand families without heat, hot water, or stoves, I am declaring a State of Emergency and activating the resources of the West Virginia National Guard," Justice said.

The National Guard is coordinating with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, Kanawha County Emergency Management and the city of Charleston to deliver bottled water along with various warming and cooking supplies to the West Virginia Health Right West Side Clinic, located at 511 Central Avenue Thursday morning, according to a press release from the guard.

Justice said he has spoken to an official with Mountaineer Gas, the area's service provider.

“I have spoken with the Vice President of Mountaineer Gas, and we're closely following their progress in restoring service to families. From what I understand, it is no easy task, but they expressed they are diligently working to get gas turned back on as fast as possible. I have offered any state resources they may need to assist them.

“The other big problem is making sure people are fed hot meals, especially through the Thanksgiving holiday next week. We have both Kanawha Valley Senior Center and Lincoln County Senior Center pitching in to provide hundreds of meals. We are also working with West Virginia Health Right and A More Excellent Way Life Center Church on the West Side to take care of families. If this outage continues through Thanksgiving, we will make sure families are fed.

“We’re also working with Kanawha County Schools to ensure we have a plan to make sure all our kids are fed. More details will be coming about this operation soon.

According to the governor, the outage occurred because of a burst in a water pipe, which flooded gas lines. He has directed the Public Service Commission to conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident and "hold the responsible parties accountable."

"To the resilient residents of the West Side: We are here with you during this challenging time," Justice said. "We are pulling the rope together and will get through this together."