Two Dozen Dead, Tourists Stuck in West Virginia Floods

As many as 23 have been reported to be dead and hundreds of citizens and tourists have been rescued, after a heavy downpour flooded West Virginia.

The rain has started from Tuesday 21st June. Over 9 inches of rain has drowned more than 100 homes and business establishments throughout the region.

The Governor, Earl Ray Tomblin has informed that the rain has knocked down power in numerous homes and commercial establishments.

A bridge, near a shopping complex in West Virginia, has collapsed and stranded over 500 tourists and citizens on their cars or on building rooftops.

The governor has stated that a search and rescue operation has started from 24th June and is still ongoing.

The flood has damaged several bridges and infrastructures. Quite a few homes in the area have experienced explosions because of cooking-gas leakage.

Multiple parts of the highway in West Virginia have got wiped off due to the flood water.

In White Sulphur Springs and Rainelle town, rescue team has conducted a door-to-door search. The rescue team is still searching for people in distressed.

The state Division of Homeland Security has stated that in Greenbrier County, 15 people have been killed. It has been estimated that the death toll can rise furthermore.

In 44 and 54 counties, the governor has declared an emergency. Almost 500 soldiers, 200 National Guardsmen, local crews and water-rescue team members have been running rescue operations.

Currently, the Greenbrier resort and golf course is submerged in flood water, where a PGA tour event is supposed to be hosted from 4th to 10th July.

The flood in West Virginia has been termed as the worst flood in the region. Tourists, who have already planned to visit the region, must postpone their trips.