The death toll from flooding in the US state of West Virginia rose to 24 yesterday, as US President Barack Obama declared a major disaster, releasing federal aid for some of the hardest-hit areas.
Mr Obama "ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides," the White House said in a statement.
Days of heavy rain have caused massive flooding in the state, where high waters washed away cars, trapped hundreds and cut power to large areas.
More than 21,300 people were without power across the state yesterday evening, according to the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Hundreds of homes were severely damaged or destroyed and more than 60 roads remained closed, it said.
Mr Obama's disaster declaration makes federal funding available to Greenbrier, Kanawha and Nicholas counties.
The latest fatality from the flooding was reported yesterday in Greenbrier County, bringing the overall tally to 24 people dead, state spokeswoman Jessica Tice said.
Among the dead was an eight-year-old boy who was swept away while walking along a creek bank with his mother and sister, local news station WSAZ reported. His body was found after three hours of searching.
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said he expected 400 national guard members to be deployed during the day to assist local emergency responders in their relief efforts.
He said that support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that was released under the disaster declaration would "provide much-needed assistance to severely impacted regions".
In five of the worst-hit counties, volunteer centres were being set up, according to the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
It said that three Red Cross shelters and a number of community-based shelters had also been established across the state.
"We have so many businesses, individuals and churches really rallying together and gathering supplies," Ms Tice said.
