Extreme weather phenomena are currently being observed more and more in the USA. A devastating flood hits the US state of Kentucky. Rainfall could make the situation even worse - so far eight people have died in the water masses.
At least eight people have died in devastating floods in the US state of Kentucky. "This is the worst flooding in recent history - devastating and deadly," Gov. Andy Beshear told local TV station WLEX. He warned that the number of deaths from eight so far is expected to continue to rise: he expects a "double-digit" number of deaths.
"This is an ongoing natural disaster," Beshear wrote on Twitter. Further rain on Friday night is likely to "worsen" the situation in eastern Kentucky. The governor declared a state of emergency for half a dozen counties.
The state in the eastern United States had been hit by heavy rains. In some areas, around 20 centimeters of rain fell within 24 hours. Streets turned into rivers, numerous houses were submerged by the spongy brown waters.
People saved themselves on their roofs or even on trees. According to Gov. Beshear, "between 20 and 30" people were taken to safety by helicopter. Four National Guard helicopters were deployed, and rescuers tried to help residents of the affected regions with inflatable boats.
"Hundreds of people will lose their homes," Beshear said. It would take many families "not months, but probably years" to recover from the effects of the disaster. In the USA, but also in many other countries, more extreme weather phenomena are currently being observed. According to experts, this is a consequence of man-made climate change.
