At least five people have died due to unprecedented flash flooding in West Virginia, prompting a state of emergency as rescue crews search for the missing and assess widespread infrastructure damage.

The flash flooding, triggered by three to four inches of rain in just half an hour on Saturday night, has led to major destruction across Ohio County and Marion County, severely affecting roads, bridges, and gas lines. Local officials are calling the event unprecedented, with multiple areas, including Wheeling and Fairmont, experiencing catastrophic damage and power outages impacting up to 4,000 customers.

Rescue operations began immediately after the flooding initiated, continuing into the early morning hours. First responders along with local authorities worked diligently to locate individuals who were reported missing due to the sudden and severe rise in water levels. As of the latest updates, multiple rescue crews remain active in the affected areas, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as they search for anyone who might still be trapped or in peril.

Ohio County and Marion County have been officially declared as states of emergency, which allows for enhanced resources and support to be mobilized. The declaration comes as officials grapple with the extensive damage incurred, especially in urban centers like Wheeling and Triadelphia, which bore the brunt of the storm. These areas are dealing with not only structural damage but also potential hazards from overflowing waterways.

The flooding has resulted in significant infrastructure challenges. Major roads and bridges have sustained critical damage, leading to difficulty in transportation and evacuation efforts. In Fairmont, the situation escalated to a partial collapse of a residential building, highlighting the force of the water and the disastrous impact on community safety. Authorities are urging individuals to heed warnings against driving through flooded roads, as conditions remain treacherous and unpredictable.

In addition to the structural damage, widespread power outages were reported, with estimates of affected customers ranging from 2,500 to 4,000. Utility companies have been dispatched to restore power as quickly as possible, yet many residents are left without electricity as floodwaters continue to pose a threat in several neighborhoods.

Local officials are mobilizing resources to provide assistance to displaced residents and families impacted by the flooding. Community centers are being opened to serve as emergency shelters to accommodate those who have lost their homes or are unable to return due to unsafe conditions. The community is rallying together, as volunteers and organizations step in to offer support and resources to those in need.

As assessments begin on the full extent of damage, state agencies are preparing to request additional federal aid. The coordination between local, state, and federal officials will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs and assisting with recovery efforts. Experts emphasize that the long-term impact of such devastating flooding could have repercussions for infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness in West Virginia.

The National Weather Service has also been monitoring the aftermath of the storm, advising residents to remain vigilant for further weather developments. Continued rainfall and unstable weather conditions could exacerbate the recovery process and lead to further challenges for rescue and repair operations. Authorities are reinforcing the need for caution as the community navigates through this disaster.