After a series storm, flash flooding in eastern Kentucky has claimed the lives of at least 16 people.
The area has been devastated by torrential rains, and Andy Beshear, its governor declared a state emergency in six counties.
He said, “We are currently experiencing one the most severe and devastating flooding events in Kentucky history.” “Hundreds of people will lose their homes.”
One of the victims was an 81 year-old Perry County woman. Local authorities also claim that several other people remain unaccounted for.
“Heartbreakingly we can confirm at minimum 15 deaths, but that number is expected to grow,” Mr Beshear tweeted Friday.
“Our teams are working round the clock to assist those who were affected. I would like to express my gratitude to the first responders…and others.
He stated that the situation was ongoing. “We are still in search and rescue mode.”
Mr. Beshear appealed to federal assistance, claiming that the damage could take many years to fix.
The state police and the national guard have used boats and helicopters to rescue floodwater-stricken people, and evacuation centres have been established in state parks.
According to Poweroutage.us, more than 24,000 households remain without power.
Flood watches and warnings remain in place throughout the day for the eastern state, northeast Tennessee, and western West Virginia. More rainfall is expected to increase waterways already well above flood stage, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
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