At least 13 people were killed and dozens were missing after torrential rains caused flash flooding across southern West Virginia late Tuesday and into Wednesday, Gov. Jim Justice said..
Here are the latest developments:.
* **Death toll:** At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, Justice said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “We had a lot of loss of life,” he said. The victims include an infant and a 4-year-old child, according to state officials..
* **Missing persons:** Dozens of people are still unaccounted for, Justice said. The exact number is unknown, but it could be as high as 50, according to state officials..
* **Flooding:** The flooding was caused by heavy rains that fell over a 24-hour period, starting Tuesday afternoon. The rains caused rivers and streams to overflow their banks, inundating homes and businesses..
* **Rescue efforts:** Hundreds of first responders are searching for survivors and helping to evacuate residents from flooded areas. The National Guard has also been activated to assist with the response..
* **State of emergency:** Justice declared a state of emergency for the entire state on Wednesday morning. The declaration allows the state to request federal assistance..
The flooding is the worst to hit West Virginia in decades. Justice said it is “a devastating situation” and that the state will need “a lot of help” to recover..
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for West Virginia, which will make federal assistance available to the state..
The Red Cross has set up shelters for people who have been displaced by the flooding. Donations to the Red Cross can be made online at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS..
Here are some tips for staying safe during a flood:.
* Avoid driving through flooded areas. Even a few inches of water can cause your car to stall..
* If you must walk through floodwaters, use a sturdy stick to help you keep your balance..
* Be aware of downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and call 911..
* If you are in a building that is flooding, move to higher ground..
* If you are caught in a flash flood, try to climb to higher ground. If you can’t climb to higher ground, find a sturdy object to hold on to..
For more information on flood safety, visit the website of the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
