Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:18:28 GMT
Three people were inside this burning home but managed to get out safely.
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in East Bank in Kanawha County. A house on Walnut Street went up in flames around 5:15 a.m. Firefighters said two people were home at the time but managed to
Three escape massive fire in a home on Walnut Street in Kanawha County
CHARLESTON, West Virginia -
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin issued a news release late Sunday afternoon to provide an update on the state's storm recovery efforts after meeting with local first responders throughout the state for the past two days.
"I know the past few days have been very trying for folks across West Virginia, and unfortunately, the problems we are facing will not be resolved overnight," Tomblin said in a news release. "I can assure you that our emergency management officials and power companies are working around the clock to get things cleaned up."
Tomblin has asked only essential state employees to report to work Monday morning because of the continued power outages and the limited amount of operable gas stations.
Tomblin did point out that employees who are not required to work may still report to work, but he asked that employees who do not report to work avoid unnecessary travel. State employees with questions about Tomblin's order should call 304-558-9117 or 1-888-558-9117.
Employees deemed "essential" are those who are designated as such by their commissioners, directors or secretaries, those who work in facilities that are open on a 24-hour basis or those who provide services relating to the health, safety and welfare of West Virginians, according to Tomblin's news release.
Tomblin said progress is being made "every hour," in the restoration of electricity, with current outages at 493,000 citizens - down from the initial report of 688,000.
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