Search and rescue crews are now going door-to-door to find victims of the floods, which are among the most destructive to ever hit Kentucky, as rain resumed after a few hours of lull, the governor of this US state announced on Sunday.
Some mountainous areas in eastern Kentucky remain impassable after flooding turned some roads into rivers, swallowed bridges and homes and killed at least 28 people, according to the latest count from authorities.
Damage caused to mobile phone network antennas complicated rescue operations and any estimate of the number of dead and missing.
“These floods are some of the most devastating, the deadliest we’ve ever experienced,” Gov. Andy Beshear told NBC television. “And while we’re trying to clean, it’s raining!”.
“We’re going door-to-door to try to locate as many people as possible,” he continued. “We will be finding bodies for weeks, many of which will have drifted hundreds of meters,” he warned.
The governor visited flooded areas in three counties yesterday. In the affected areas more than 350 people have taken temporary shelter in reception centers, he said.
In the city of Jackson, in the heart of the hardest-hit area, rescue crews and volunteers gathered yesterday morning in the parking lot of a Walmart supermarket before beginning their difficult task.
Some distributed bottled water. A boat being towed by a car was marked “FEMA Rescue 4,” meaning the federal disaster agency is now operating in the area.
Risk of flash flooding
Under heavy black clouds heralding new rains, many roads were covered in thick mud.
The floods hit areas whose economy had already been hit hard by the decline of mining activity, its main engine.
Areas were hit “where the world already didn’t have much,” Mr. Beshear stressed.
In places in Kentucky, rainfall reached about 8 inches in 24 hours and river waters rose rapidly before overflowing.
The US National Weather Service yesterday issued a new warning that there is a risk of flooding in the central part of the country, including the state of Kentucky.
“The threat of flash flooding will continue this afternoon and evening due to heavy rain and thunderstorms,” ​​it said.
US President Joe Biden declared a state of “natural disaster” releasing federal aid to support affected areas in the state.
This storm is the latest in a series of extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent due to human-induced global warming.
In December, dozens of severe tornadoes swept through five central US states, especially western Kentucky, killing at least 79 people.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
