[Despised]

At least 20 people, including an eight-year-old boy and a toddler, have died in flooding in West Virginia, according to state officials.

Heavy storms and flooding have caused widespread damage throughout the state, said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.

A state of emergency was declared in 44 of the state's 55 counties.

Rescue efforts were under way for about 500 people trapped in a shopping centre while officials continued to search for others stranded in devastated areas.

The flooding has destroyed more than 100 homes and knocked out power for thousands after a storm system dumped nine inches of rain on parts of the state.

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