West Virginia disaster declared as flood toll hits 24

The death toll from flooding in the US state of West Virginia rose to 24, as President Barack Obama declared a major disaster, releasing federal aid for the hardest-hit areas.

Days of heavy rain, especially on Thursday and Friday, caused massive flooding in the state, where high waters have washed away cars, trapped hundreds and cut power to large areas.

The president "ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides," the White House said in a statement on Saturday.