W.Va. sheriff describes 'complete chaos' from floods; 7 deaths

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A storm system dumped 9 inches of rain on parts of West Virginia, trapping 500 people in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of other people had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued as waters quickly rose during the deluge.

At least seven people died, including an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy who were swept away in different counties, authorities said today. The death toll was expected to increase, said Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill, who described "complete chaos" in his county, which appeared to be the hardest hit.

"Roads destroyed, bridges out, homes burned down, washed off foundations," he said. "Multiple sections of highway just missing. Pavement just peeled off like a banana. I've never seen anything like that."

Water rescue teams were searching devastated areas.