West Virginia is reeling from historic flooding that has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed at least 23 people.

Residents were left without electricity, water and food. Volunteer organisations like the Samaritan's Purse are working round the clock to help the victims.

According to Samaritan's Purse, residents in 44 West Virginia counties have suffered property loss and deaths. Bridges and roadways were destroyed.

Its Disaster Relief Units—a truck stocked with supplies so that staff and volunteers can help homeowners clean up—is now based in Greenbrier County, one of the hardest-hit areas.

The organisation's equipment, shower and supply trailers have been stationed at the host church, RHEMA Christian Center, in Lewisburg.

Meanwhile, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are also assisting.

The state has received more than nine inches of rain in eight hours that caused streams and rivers to overflow. The disaster is West Virginia's third deadliest flooding on record.

"We've had high water from time to time, but I don't remember houses being knocked off their foundations and all the devastation," said one homeowner. "It's really unbelievable."

President Barack Obama declared three counties as federal disaster areas: Greenbrier, Nicholas, and Kanawha.

"This is a tough scene. This is a difficult task," said Tim Haas, manager of U.S. Disaster Relief. "We ask you to pray for this community and we'd also ask you to pray for Samaritan's Purse staff and the volunteers who will come to help these homeowners mud-out these houses. There are hundreds of homes that have been flooded."

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin expanded his request for a federal Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance for Clay, Fayette, Monroe, Pocahontas, Roane, Summers and Webster counties.

"As cleanup continues in so many communities across West Virginia, we are seeing the overwhelming damage that has been left behind," he said.