Flooding in the US state of Kentucky has already killed at least 25 people, the region’s governor said on Saturday, warning that the search to find all the victims could take several weeks.
“This is a natural disaster in progress. We’re still in search and rescue mode. Fortunately, the rain has stopped, but it will start to rain again on Sunday afternoon,” Gov. Andy Beshear told Fox News.
Andy Beshear said that rescue teams continue to do everything in their power to get into the worst affected areas, some of which are the poorest in the United States of America.
So far, authorities have carried out more than 1,200 rescues, using helicopters and speedboats, with 25 dead.
Among the fatalities are children.
On Friday, Andy Beshear flew over parts of the flooded region, describing the scene as “devastating” and “never seen before”.
“We are committed to doing a full rebuild so these people can get back on their feet. But for now, we can only pray that no one else dies,” she said.
US President Joe Biden on Friday approved a disaster declaration for Kentucky so the state can receive federal aid.
Flooding extended into western Virginia and southern West Virginia.
As a result, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in six West Virginia counties, where floodwaters toppled trees, knocked out power and blocked roads.
Also in Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an emergency declaration, allowing officials to mobilize all resources.
Source: Observadora
