At least 4 dead in Kentucky flash floods as search and rescue efforts are underway with more rain set to lash region
THE state of Kentucky has declared a state of emergency after heavy rains triggered flash floods that have killed at least four people.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the fatalities on Saturday after thunderstorms lashed the state and warnings of more rainfall were issued.
Three people from Madison County have died as well as one person in Jackson County.
“Kentucky, I have some tough news to share. We’ve lost three people in Madison County and one in Jackson County due to flooding,” he wrote on social media.
“Please join Britainy and me as we pray for their families during this difficult time.”
According to The Madison County coroner, three adults died from drowning with two of them being in a basement apartment, and the third in a car.
Flash flood alerts were issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Kentucky and Indiana on Saturday with up to 10 inches of rain falling in just a matter of hours by that afternoon in certain areas.
Full community evacuations and search and rescue missions were triggered in several counties with people trapped in their homes and vehicles and these efforts are set to continue into Sunday.
Almost 10,000 homes and businesses were reported to be without power across Kentucky on Saturday afternoon.
“This is a serious flooding event,” Beshear said on Saturday.
“As more heavy rain continues through late tonight, we need folks to remain alert and to avoid driving, especially after dark when there is limited visibility.”
He warned residents of thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail and possible tornadoes while urging everyone to have weather alerts on.
Further rainfall is expected across the northeast and southeast on Sunday which will not only hamper search and rescue efforts, but could trigger further flooding.
Counties set for more rain until around 8am include Johnson, Martin, Bhreathitt, Floy, Knott, Magoffin, Pike and Wolfe.
The National Weather Service has warned that “locally significant flash flooding is possible given the already saturated ground.”
It notes that high levels of excessive rainfall are expected throughout Sunday morning, though this will diminish throughout the day.
Kentuckians are urged to monitor forecasts and alerts and be prepared to take action if more flash flood warnings are issued.
“We know we’ve already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians. I don’t want to lose anymore,” Gov. Beshear said.
Resident of Bullitt County, one of the hardest hit areas of the state, were left helpless as homes and vehicles were swept down the street.
Danny Ralph watched on as waters rose on Saturday morning before receding, making him think the danger had passed, he told WDRB.
However, in mere hours, he heard a loud bang and torrents of water flooded the neighborhood.
“When I was in there, I was scared. I’ve never been through nothing like this,” he said after his trailer was swept off its foundation, forcing him to his only other refuge, his car.
Meanwhile, he saw his neighbors shed being carried down the road by water.
Fellow resident John White says his home has been destroyed by the flooding and has lost almost everything.
“Everything I got is ruined. I won’t even be able to live here,” he told the outlet.
