West Virginia communities have been devastated by floods that killed at least 24 people and rendered many more homeless. The deluge tore through roads and bridges and knocked out utilities that still haven’t been restored in some communities.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin called the flooding "among the worst in a century" for some parts of West Virginia.
It was the third-deadliest flood on record in the state, according to West Virginia state climatologist Kevin Law.
Rainelle Mayor Andrea “Andy” Pendleton wept as she surveyed her town Saturday. “I weep for my people, I weep for the businesses,” she said.
The PGA Tour canceled The Greenbrier Classic because the course is overrun by floodwaters. “All of our focus needs to be on helping all of the people of our great state,” CEO Jim Justice said in a statement.
Search and rescue teams went house to house, marking those checked with a spray-painted ‘X.’
After a pounding by storms and floods, basic necessities still aren’t up and running in some areas.
More than 24,000 homes and businesses remained without power Saturday.
“I don’t have anything,” said Cathy Light, as she ate the free meal provided by Grace Community Church. “Where do we go now?”
Contributing: The Associated Press
