Death Toll Rises To 30 After Devastating Flash Flooding In Eastern Kentucky

According to officials, the death toll in the devastating flooding that hit eastern Kentucky continues to rise as more rain hits the region. On Monday morning, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that 30 people, including children, have been confirmed dead, and more fatalities are expected.

Beshear admitted, to "widespread damage" that displaced thousands of individuals, including power outages for thousands of people and washed-out roads, destroyed residences, and flooded schools. More precipitation was falling Monday as search and rescue teams continued to look for those who were unaccounted for.

Related: 30 dead in Kentucky flooding; hundreds unaccounted for

The additional precipitation could cause water levels to rise again in the same area that experienced the disastrous flooding that began with heavy rains on Wednesday. Beshear said more than 600 people had been rescued by aircraft and boat since the flooding began.

The destruction in Kentucky is the latest catastrophic flooding event in the United States in less than a week. Heavy rain caused flash flooding in Las Vegas on Friday, with rising waters seen on roadways and parking garages in busy parts of Sin City.

The mega-drought has caused the soil in the region to become so dry that it couldn't absorb the heavy rains, which helped to contribute to the flooding. Last week, a flash flooding emergency occurred near St. Louis, which had a record-breaking 8.56 inches of precipitation in less than 24 hours.

Officials reported that one person was found dead in a car on Tuesday after the water began to recede. Kentucky is working to establish shelters, Beshear said, asking those who want to help to donate cleaning supplies or water.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration. Beshear said, "Let us wrap our arms around eastern Kentucky and pray for those impacted."

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