ELKVIEW, W.Va. (WV News) — On Thursday, June 23, 2016, approximately 8 to 10 inches of rain fell in less than a 12-hour period throughout parts of West Virginia.

The heavy thunderstorms, which most devastatingly impacted Greenbrier County, resulted in catastrophic flash flooding, historic river flooding and 23 fatalities, according to information from the National Weather Service.

The fatalities were the highest in the state since November 1985 flooding, when 47 died. During the flooding, numerous water rescues and evacuations were conducted, and more than 2,000 people were temporarily displaced.

A State of Emergency was declared for 12 counties. Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, and road repair costs alone exceeded $50 million.

According to an analysis done by the Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center after the flooding, “the probability of this amount of 24-hr rainfall occurring in any given year” has an “about 1/1,000 frequency of occurrence interval.”

Several West Virginia officials shared statements marking the seventh anniversary of the flooding.

“On this day seven years ago, floods claimed the lives of 23 beloved West Virginians, whom we’ll never forget,” said Gov. Jim Justice on Twitter. “Amidst the tragedy, our state displayed selflessness and unity by pulling the rope together. Let’s remember those we lost and support one another.”

“Families’ lives were changed forever, schools were decimated, businesses were forced to close, and many West Virginians were left without a home. To this day, reminders of the floods and its aftermath remain as we continue to rebuild,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., in a press release. “I will always remember the immediate action that the people of West Virginia took in response to this devastating flooding. Within hours, shelters were constructed, boots were on the ground, resources were made available, and the West Virginia spirit was palpable.”

Capito asked West Virginians to commemorate the anniversary by continuing to show that “West Virginia spirit.”

“Help a friend in need, be kind to a stranger, be that light in your community. West Virginians are strong, and we will always be at our strongest together,” she said.

“Seven years ago, West Virginia suffered one of the worst floods in our history,” said Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., on Twitter. “We will never forget the 23 West Virginians who lost their lives and the devastation that followed. #WV is resilient and we will continue to rebuild together after this tragedy.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., shared a collection of photos on Twitter from when he surveyed the impacts of the flooding alongside members of the West Virginia National Guard and other responders.

“As we mark seven years since flooding devastated our state, our hearts continue to hurt for the families of the West Virginians who lost their lives,” he said. “Please join me in praying for those who are still impacted by this tragedy. We will continue to rebuild because we’re #WVStrong.”