West Virginia flash floods: 2 missing, 500 National Guard troops deployed amid torrential rain

West Virginia flash floods. (AP Photo) Torrential rain triggered widespread flash flooding across West Virginia, leaving at least two people missing, inundating homes and businesses, and prompting a statewide emergency declaration as rescue teams raced to reach stranded residents.Governor Patrick Morrisey said authorities were searching for two people reported missing in Upshur County after state police located an overturned vehicle believed to be linked to them. Rescue crews have been unable to safely access the vehicle because of fast-moving water and heavy debris.Morrisey said officials would release further information only after the operation is completed safely and the families of those involved are notified. "We are concerned about loss of life," he said, adding that the state remains in the search-and-rescue phase.Statewide emergency, large-scale rescue effortMorrisey declared a state of emergency across all 55 counties as severe weather swept through the state. Around 100 National Guard members were initially deployed to the worst-hit areas before another 400 personnel were mobilised to assist flood-response operations.According to the governor, the West Virginia Division ...