Ankara: Wheeling: Five people, including a 3-year-old child, were killed and three others remain missing after sudden downpours triggered flash floods in the US state of West Virginia, local media reported on Sunday. Between 2.5 and 4 inches (6.35 to 10.16 cm) of rain fell in less than 30 minutes late Saturday in parts of Wheeling and Ohio County, overwhelming waterways and infrastructure.

According to Anadolu Agency, vehicles were swept into creeks, residents sought safety in trees, and a mobile home caught fire. Lou Vargo, Ohio County's emergency management director, stated, "It happened so quickly and so fast. I've never seen anything like this in my 35 years." Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that the state is collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has declared a state of emergency in Ohio and Marion Counties.

As of Sunday afternoon, 2,500 homes were without power, with natural gas leaks delaying restoration efforts. Meanwhile, in Fairmont, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) away, flooding caused a partial collapse of an apartment building, leading to the evacuation of residents to Fairmont State University's campus.

As more storms were expected, the National Guard was mobilized to assist with the ongoing crisis. Authorities are employing drones, dogs, and teams to search submerged vehicles and debris. This disaster comes just days after San Antonio, Texas, experienced similar torrential rains that resulted in the deaths of 13 people.