30 dead in Kentucky flooding; hundreds unaccounted for

Updated on August 02, 2022 15:01 PM by Dhinesh

Rescue workers

Rescue workers searching for hundreds of missing individuals in flood-ravaged Kentucky have been delayed by the devastation left behind, unable to enter remote places after bridges were swept away and communities were submerged by floodwaters, with more precipitation expected on Monday.

The death toll grew to 30

The death toll grew to 30 on Monday, Governor Andy Beshear announced at a news conference in Frankfort, adding, "There are at least hundreds of individuals unaccounted for." "We simply lack a good understanding of this. I wish we could, but there are numerous impediments that make it practically difficult "he remarked.

News conference on Sunday

During a news conference on Sunday, as Beshear was reciting a breakdown of those slain in each county, he grew very distressed when he reached the four children killed in Knott County. Their aunt identified them to CNN as Chance, age 2, Nevaeh, age 4, Riley Jr., age 6, and Madison, age 8.

Minors and youngsters

The governor looked over the list and stated, "It says'minors.'" "They are youngsters. The eldest is currently in second grade "Beshear uttered. The youngsters, who were known as lovely, humorous, and lovable, perished after their family's mobile home was flooded last week, forcing them to seek refuge on the roof, their aunt Brandi Smith told CNN on Friday.

NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday

Smith stated of her sister and her partner, "They were clinging to them." The flood became so powerful that it simply washed them away. The governor anticipates recovery personnel "will be finding dead for weeks," he told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "Many of them were swept hundreds of yards, if not more than a quarter mile," he added.

The reinstatement of cell service

The reinstatement of cell service in parts of the state's hardest-hit areas, as announced by the governor, may let people reconnect with loved ones they have yet to contact. The water devastated highways, bridges, and entire homes, displacing thousands of Kentuckians, according to the governor. Monday he reported that at least 150 displaced persons are being accommodated in state parks.

Non-repaired damages

In addition, floodwaters damaged important electricity, water, and transportation infrastructure, some of which has not yet been repaired. As many as fifty bridges in Perry County are damaged and inaccessible, according to county judge executive Scott Alexander.

Alexander

Alexander stated, "This suggests that there is someone living on the other side or numerous families living up our holler on the other side to which we still do not have road access."

According to the National Weather Service, there is a minor chance of extreme rainfall over the region on Monday, and since the ground is already saturated, more precipitation might cause further floods.

Beshear’s statement

"As if things weren't already difficult enough for the people in this region, it's currently raining," Beshear stated on Monday.

Customers remain without power in the storm-ravaged region

Through noon, showers and thunderstorms with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour may cause flash flooding, according to the Jackson office of the National Weather Service.

The regions most susceptible to flash floods are those that have recurrent rains and thunderstorms. More than 14,000 customers remain without power in the storm-ravaged region. Temperatures are expected to change into the mid-80s overnight and near 90 on Wednesday and Thursday.