Anadolu Agency films destruction caused by flooding in US state of Virginia

By Servet Gunerigok and Dildar Baykan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Anadolu Agency filmed on Thursday the havoc wreaked by flash flooding that hit Buchanan County in the US state of Virginia.

A severe storm Tuesday hit the area located in the state's southwest region, bringing heavy rain and flooding. It also damaged more than 100 homes and caused power outages.

Initially, more than 40 people were missing but later Thursday authorities said everyone who was missing was found.

Aerial footage of the aftermath showed damaged homes, scattered vehicles on fields and mud-covered yards.

Tommy Brewster described the destruction of his home on Dismal River Road, which he remodeled and painted himself years ago.

"It was beautiful before,” he told Anadolu Agency. “Every room is destroyed. The line on the wall is where the water got up to it and put all hardwood floors down, really beautiful floors, and that’s mud."

The basement of the house was destroyed by the flooding and tools in his garage were scattered in the yard. "It just totally destroyed everything," he said.

Buchanan County Sheriff's Office said there are no reported deaths or injuries related to the flooding.

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Wednesday to help those affected by the storm.

"We are deeply saddened to learn that another flood has impacted a community still recovering from last year’s flood," Youngkin said in a statement.

"In the wake of the devastation, I want Virginians in Buchanan County to know that we are making every resource available to help those impacted by this storm," he added.

Additional teams were on-site Thursday to provide damage assessments and more crews and equipment were dispatched to flooded areas to address impassable roads and begin repairs, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

*Michael Hernandez contributed to the story