More rain expected in flooded West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va., June 27 (UPI) -- More rainstorms and flash floods are forecast Monday for West Virginia, after at least 25 people died last week in flooding.

Water receded Sunday, allowing emergency officials to travel door-to-door throughout the state, seeking survivors of flooding prompted by heavy rainstorms that began Thursday.

More rain is expected Monday, the heaviest anticipated in the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service declared a flash flood watch for most of the state's southern counties.

A request for federal disaster assistance for Greenbrier, Kanawha and Nicholas counties was approved Saturday. Sixteen of the confirmed deaths occurred in Greenbrier County.

About 18,000 residences across the state were without power Sunday, and about 10,000 people lacked cellphone service because of the floods.

Roads were washed out and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Officials in Roane County estimate more than 500 homes were severely damaged or destroyed, and residents of hard-hit towns sought refuge in church gymnasiums of nearby communities.

Although water levels have declined in most towns, officials warned of the dangers of flood debris and downed power lines, asking residents not visit flooded areas to sightsee.