NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard Western River Flood Punt Team is assisting the West Virginia State Emergency Operation Center during the flooding in West Virginia.

The Western River Flood Punt Team is responding to floods along the Kanawha River caused by heavy rains throughout the past 48 hours.

The Western River Flood Punt Team, from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Huntington, have been deployed and are on scene assisting in Clendenin, WV with three boats and a crew of six.

The Western River Flood Punt Team, composed of Coast Guard active duty and reserve members, deploys during inland flood events. Its crews use small, lightweight, flat bottom boats that are suitable for navigating floodwaters in urban areas. The trailer-carried boats allow crews to rapidly respond to emergencies hundreds of miles from their home units.