In crises like these, it's imperative for government and those entrusted with the public's welfare to inform people promptly and continually about what they know -- and what they don't. Too often, in the interest of preventing panic or confusion, government agencies clamp down on their communication with the news media and the public. As happened in this case, a parsimonious public-affairs strategy all too often backfires, feeding people's fear and distrust of government. [...]

Even though the worst of the West Virginia emergency is past, questions about government credibility linger. Unless responsible agencies correct the transparency errors they have committed during this and previous emergencies, the problem will fester and worsen.