CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A deluge of 9 inches of rain damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes in West Virginia, knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses, and killed 14 people, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia said Friday.

About 500 people were stranded overnight in a shopping center when a bridge washed out, and dozens of others had to be plucked off rooftops or rescued from their cars.

‘‘Our focus remains on search and rescue,’’ the governor said at a news conference. He added: ‘‘It’s been a long 24 hours and the next 24 hours may not be much easier.’’

The deaths included an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy who were swept away in rushing creek waters in different counties, authorities said. Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described ‘‘complete chaos’’ in his county.

National Guardsmen were assisting in eight counties, helping local rescue crews with swift water rescues, search and extraction efforts, and health and welfare checks. The governor declared a state of emergency in 44 of 54 counties and authorized up to 500 soldiers to assist.

Associated Press