Ohio County Floods Kill Six, Search Continues for Missing

Severe flash flooding in Ohio County, West Virginia, caused by 3 to 4 inches of rain falling in less than an hour, has resulted in at least five confirmed deaths, including a 3-year-old child, and several others remain missing. The flooding rapidly overwhelmed roads, homes, and infrastructure, leading to power outages affecting thousands of residents and forcing rescues from rooftops and trees. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for Wheeling, Triadelphia, and Valley Grove, mobilizing state resources including the National Guard to assist with search and rescue operations and infrastructure recovery. Emergency crews are using drones, dive teams, and swift water rescue boats to locate missing individuals, while efforts continue to restore power and provide water and supplies to affected communities. The governor emphasized the ongoing focus on life-saving support and damage assessments, urging residents to avoid travel in flooded areas and to report damage to state authorities. FEMA has been notified and is coordinating with state officials to provide additional assistance as needed.