Kentucky: At least 16 dead in flash floods that followed heavy rain

BBC News:

At least 16 people have died due to historic flash flooding caused by torrential rains in eastern Kentucky, the US state’s governor has said.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said that he expects the death toll to continue to rise.

President Biden declared the floods “a major disaster” on Friday and ordered federal aid to help with local recovery efforts.

Among the dead are six children, including a one-year-old.

More than 23,000 people are also without power in the state.

After an aerial tour with the National Guard, Mr Beshear said the flood “is by far the worst” he has seen. Parts of cities are submerged under water, and some areas are impassable, he said.

The flash flooding came after heavy rains earlier this week. Hundreds of homes in Kentucky have been wiped out because of the floods, the governor said.