CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Members of the West Virginia National Guard were on duty Friday after being called into action Thursday night following a state of emergency in eight counties.
Residents of Kanawha, Boone, Putnam, Lincoln, Logan, Clay, Roane and Jackson counties were told to stop using tap water after a chemical leak contaminated the West Virginia American Water Co.'s system in those areas.
FEMA began dispatching water to the affected areas as Soldiers and Airmen organized distribution points.
Water distribution points have been set up at the Winfield Court House, the Charleston Civic Center, the 911 center in Lincoln County, Queen Shoals, and the Sharples Fire Department.
In addition, members of the 35th Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) were called out to assist in the assessment of water contamination.