23 killed in historic floods in US state

NEW YORK

At least 23 people are confirmed dead in flooding in the state of West Virginia, a spokesperson at the state's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, told Anadolu Agency on Friday.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said at a press conference earlier in the day that the flooding was "among the worst in a century for some parts of the state," and West Virginia’s transportation agency was working to rescue hundreds of victims trapped at a mall after a storm system dumped nearly 10 inches of rain on parts of the area and washed out a bridge.

Videos show that the flooding caused chasms on the roads, downed trees and power lines, causing extensive property damage.

Tomblin declared a state of emergency in 44 of West Virginia’s 55 counties and has assigned 150 members of the state's national guard to assist local emergency responders.

Congressional Rep. Evan Jenkins offered sympathy for his state’s victims. "The floods we are seeing in southern West Virginia are historic and tragic, and my heart goes out to all of the affected residents and businesses," he said.

While West Virginia deals with floods, on the other side of the country, a deadly wildfire in California has gutted nearly 100 houses and threatens 1,500 more, ABC News reported.

An elderly couple was killed while trying to escape the flames, authorities said.

Tyler Townsend, public information officer with Erskin Creek Fire, said in a live Facebook broadcast late Thursday that the cause of the fire was unknown and several firefighters were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

"I've been a firefighter for nine years," Townsend said. "This is definitely the most destructive fire I've ever been to,” he added.

The fire has burned nearly 50 square miles and is just 5 percent contained.