At least eight people have died in torrential rains that caused widespread flooding in eastern Kentucky Thursday, the state’s governor said, who fears the death toll will rise.
Gov. Andy Bashir spoke of the “worst floods in modern history”, describing them as “devastating and deadly”, while the number of missing people is still unknown and heavy rains are expected until Friday.
“At this point, I think I can confirm at least eight deaths, but that number seems to be increasing by the hour,” the governor added.
In Jackson, some roads turn into rivers, abandoned cars are scattered everywhere.
Under these conditions, many residents took refuge on the roofs of their houses, waiting for rescue. Earlier Thursday afternoon, Bashir told a local TV station that “20 to 30” people had been evacuated by air.
And parts of Kentucky have collected as much as 20 centimeters of rainwater in 24 hours, and more rain is expected through Friday night amid an ongoing flood alert.
The Democratic governor has declared a state of emergency in a number of provinces, and four National Guard helicopters have been deployed to assist relief operations in addition to rubber boats.
Near Jackson, rescuers evacuated residents wearing life jackets in a small boat.
The governor said the number of missing people is unknown “because we still can’t get to some places” due to strong currents.
