KENTUCKY — At least nine people have died as severe storms and flooding swept across parts of the U.S., with Kentucky suffering the most casualties.
Eight people lost their lives in Kentucky as rising creeks and heavy rainfall submerged roads and vehicles.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Sunday that hundreds of stranded residents had to be rescued from floodwaters.
President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration for the state, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.
The severe weather caused significant damage across multiple states. In Kentucky, water covered cars and buildings, while mudslides blocked roads in Virginia.
Both states, along with Tennessee and Arkansas, remained under flood warnings through the weekend.
Among the victims was a mother and child who were swept away Saturday night in the Bonnieville community, according to Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts.
In Clay County, southeastern Kentucky, a 73-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters, county Emergency Management Deputy Director Revelle Berry reported.
Hart County recorded four deaths in total, according to Governor Beshear.
The flooding forced the Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson to close its emergency department, transferring patients to other hospitals due to rising river levels.
Photos shared on social media showed homes, cars, and businesses submerged in south-central and eastern Kentucky.
In Buchanan County, Virginia, authorities reported multiple road closures due to mudslides.
Emergency crews in Simpson County, Kentucky, conducted multiple rescues from vehicles stranded in floodwaters.
Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, with the county’s emergency management office posting on Facebook: “Stay home if you can.”
Authorities continue to monitor conditions as recovery efforts begin in the hardest-hit areas.
