At Least 23 Dead After Floods Ravage Much of West Virginia
At least 23 people are dead in West Virginia following "fast-moving floodwaters" that rolled through much of the state, destroying trees and utility lines and flooding homes, reported CNN.
As the stormwaters began to recede on Saturday, more than 32,000 homes and businesses throughout the state lacked electricity, according to the West Virginia Division of the Department of Homeland Security:
As of 0900 am there are still 32,170 homes and businesses without power in WV.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, "The amount of rain that recently fell on parts of West Virginia and southern Virginia exceeded a once-in-a-century event for the specific area and resulted in catastrophic flooding in some communities. Radar estimates indicated 6 to 10 inches of rain fell on some locations in 24 hours."
Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill told the Associated Press there was "complete chaos" in her county.
"Roads destroyed, bridges out, homes burned down, washed off foundations," Cahill told the Weather Channel. "Multiple sections of highway just missing. Pavement just peeled off like a banana. I've never seen anything like that."
In a now-infamous video posted to Twitter on Friday, onlookers gasped as a flaming house coasted down a creek.
Flood water pushes a burning #home down a creek in #WestVirginia. #wvwx Amanda Carperpic.twitter.com/zJSMe95nLk
Other views of the destruction showed extensive storm damage in affected areas.
The Greenbrier Classic has been cancelled due to severe flooding. http://pgat.us/Cbbr9ld pic.twitter.com/KN4pFw2yxg
I'm in Elkview viewing the flood damage. If you are in need of assistance call 304-342-5855.pic.twitter.com/7E2bsHNgIG
Severe flooding in West Virginia has left at least 23 dead; others still missing.pic.twitter.com/niqJD5OYyC
Historic #flooding in #WestVirginia: 2 confirmed dead, a toddler still missing. @TODAYshowpic.twitter.com/6RmnEOZVk2
In addition to mobilizing state emergency resources, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin "announced the state has been approved for a Federal Disaster Declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency," reported West Virginia Public Broadcasting. According to the broadcaster, agencies have begun the switch from search and rescue operations to aiding recovery.
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