So far, the death toll in West Virginia's flooding has risen to 18. Some areas received as much as 9 inches in a 24-hour period.
Although the deaths are from three different counties, the highest death count comes from Greenbrier, where 10 people are reported to have died. More than 100 homes have been destroyed, and many remain without power.
In Elkview, a shopping center there has had all exits blocked by flooding. This has trapped about 500 people there. An attempt is being made to build a gravel road quickly in order to give the customers and employees a way out.
Shelters are being set up by the Red Cross and Salvation Army in several areas, and more may be needed soon. The state's National Guard units have already deployed 200 soldiers to the worst hit areas, and the emergency status will enable them to apply another 300 if needed.
Update: CNN now reports that as many as 23 have died due to the extensive flooding. 44 counties have declared emergencies.
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Sources:
- http://bigstory.ap.org/article/9df4b71e51914f779d0a887ac27f744c/latest-pastor-talks-about-boy-who-died-flooding
- http://wchstv.com/news/local/death-toll-in-west-virginia-floods-climbs-to-14-tomblin-updates-flood-relief-efforts
- http://wvmetronews.com/2016/06/24/flooding-death-toll-rises-to-15/