June 25th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
Early reports indicate about 9 inches of rain damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands of others, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said.
About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued from their cars.
"Our focus remains on search and rescue," the governor said. He added: "It's been a long 24 hours and the next 24 hours may not be much easier."
Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described "complete chaos" in his county, one of the hardest hit.
"Roads destroyed, bridges out, homes burned down, washed off foundations," he said. "Multiple sections of highway just missing. Pavement just peeled off like a banana. I've never seen anything like that."
In the towns of Rainelle and White Sulphur Springs, rescue crews went door to door to check on residents, a painstaking task that could stretch into the weekend. Once a residence was checked, a red or orange "X'' was marked on the home.
The state Division of Homeland Security reported 15 people killed in Greenbrier County and rescue efforts continue.
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