20 Dead in Historic West Virginia Floods

UPDATE:When this story aired death toll was at 18, it has since risen to 20.

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WEST VIRGINIA (WTVQ)-The death toll is rising in wake of the flooding in West Virginia.Earlier this afternoon the state’s governor announced the count was at 14, it’s now climbed to 20. To give you an idea of how big of an area we’re talking about in West Virginia that’s been affected by the flash flooding that started yesterday afternoon, currently 44 out of the state’s 54 counties are under a state of emergency.

Among the 20 killed in the historic floods, the body of a toddler, swept away yesterday, was recovered this morning. And officials fear the death toll will continue to climb.

More than 100 homes have been destroyed, and power was knocked out for tens of thousands of homes. The current was so strong it swept a burning home off its foundation and took it for a ride. Today about 200 National Guardsmen were helping local rescue crews with swift water rescues in eight counties. In some parts the water so dangerous rescue missions are underway to save the rescuers.

Many people say they’ve never seen these kind of conditions.

A Nicholas County man says, “It’s worst I’ve ever seen it. I’ve seen stuff floating down the river. We had a flood in I think 2003 and it’s nothing like this.”

Greenbrier County was hit with some of the heaviest rainfall, up to ten inches. That’s where the luxury Greenbrier Resort is scheduled to host the “Greenbrier Classic” as part of the PGA Tour early next month.