At least 15 individuals have been killed after flash flooding in japanese Kentucky following a sequence of storms.
Torrential rains have devastated the world, with its governor Andy Beshear declaring a state of emergency in six counties.
“We are currently experiencing one of the worst, most devastating flooding events in Kentucky’s history,” he mentioned. “Hundreds will lose their homes.”
Among the lifeless was an 81-year-old girl in Perry County, and the native authorities say a number of persons are unaccounted for.
“Heartbreakingly, we can confirm at least 15 deaths, but we expect that number to grow,” Mr Beshear tweeted on Friday.
“Our teams are working around the clock to help those impacted. I want to thank the heroic first responders… and others.”
He mentioned: “This situation is ongoing. We are still in the search and rescue mode.”
Mr Beshear has appealed for federal help and mentioned the injury brought on might take years to restore.
The nationwide guard and state police have been utilizing helicopters and boats to rescue individuals marooned among the many floodwaters, whereas evacuation centres have been opened in state parks.
More than 24,000 households are with out energy, in accordance with the Poweroutage.us web site.
Flood warnings and watches stay in impact all through the day for the japanese half of the state in addition to northeast Tennessee and western West Virginia, the place extra rainfall is anticipated to swell waterways which are already properly above their flood phases, the National Weather Service (NWS) mentioned.
Source: information.sky.com”