People are rescued from their roofs with helicopters, others are brought to safety with inflatable boats. But in many places, strong currents are making rescue operations and the search for survivors more difficult.
According to Governor Andy Beshear, at least 15 people have died after the devastating floods in the US state of Kentucky, and many are still missing. It is the worst flood disaster he has ever experienced in the southeastern state.
"I expect the number to more than double, including some children," Beshear told CNN on Friday morning (local time). In some areas, the water will only recede on Saturday. Tens of thousands of households are without electricity, and the water supply is also interrupted. "We ask the people of America to pray for us to get through the next day."
After heavy rains, there were flash floods and landslides in Kentucky and in the neighboring states of Virginia and West Virginia on Thursday. Eastern Kentucky was hit hardest, with a landscape shaped by rivers such as the Mississippi, the Ohio and the Big Sandy, as well as the Appalachian mountain range. Many people were caught "in the middle of the night" by the floods, Beshear said.
The tide came suddenly, the occupant of a bungalow told the Lexington Herald Leader newspaper in the Perry district: "It was like a wave coming out of the sea." His partner was washed away but then, with the help of a neighbor, clung to a tree until they were both rescued about two hours later. "I was terrified and I was sure I was going to die," said the 29-year-old. Her home was swept away by the floodwaters.
Governor Beshear said he expected massive damage. "For many families, it will probably take years, not months, to rebuild and recover." Pictures showed flooded streets and washed away cars. In some places only the roofs of the houses could be seen.
In order to mobilize additional personnel and resources, the Democrat politician had declared a state of emergency and also deployed the National Guard for support. US President Joe Biden has already announced federal aid to support reconstruction in the affected communities.
It was only in December 2021 that devastating tornadoes caused severe destruction in Kentucky. More than 70 people died.
