Kentucky faces flash floods, many reported dead

According to the governor of Kentucky, a US state, at least 16 people have perished as a result of catastrophic flash flooding brought on by heavy rainfall in eastern Kentucky.

The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, stated that he anticipates a surge in fatalities.

On Friday, President Biden referred to the flooding as a “serious disaster” and he authorized government assistance to support local efforts at recovery.

In the state, more than 23,000 people are also without electricity.

In a video put online on Friday morning, Mr. Beshear added, “We know some of the tragedy will include children, we may have even lost entire families.”

Following very severe rainfall earlier this week, there was flash flooding. The governor claimed that the floods in Kentucky have destroyed hundreds of homes.

In some places, more than eight inches (or 20 centimeters) of rain were recorded in a 24-hour period.

As of Friday morning, flood advisories were still in place for sections of Tennessee and West Virginia as well as eastern Kentucky.

According to the US National Weather Service, the area’s rivers are predicted to reach their crests over the weekend, and there was still a chance of even more hazardous flash flooding throughout Friday.

Mr. Beshear stated in an interview with media that this is “by far the worst flooding calamity” he has ever witnessed.

He predicted that “hundreds of Kentucky families will lose everything.”

On Thursday, there were over 100 boat rescues and almost 50 air rescue operations. The state is still engaged in search and rescue operations.

It will be a long rebuild and a difficult couple of days, Mr. Beshear predicted.

The state is still recovering from the deadliest tornadoes in its history, which killed over 70 people in December 2021, when the historic floods occurs.