On August 9, 1916, a sudden, intense rainstorm caused West Virginia’s second-deadliest flood, hitting the Cabin Creek area in Kanawha County. Nearly six inches of rain fell in under five hours, causing a powerful flash flood. The disaster destroyed 900 homes, wiped out railroads and bridges, and killed 71 people.

The flooding also affected nearby Paint Creek and Little Coal River. One train with 210 churchgoers was stranded for two days after the tracks were washed out. The West Virginia National Guard, preparing to go to Texas, instead helped deliver food and shelter to flood victims.

After the flood, many miners moved away to find new jobs, as the area’s mines and homes were ruined.