At Least 25 Dead Due to Flooding in Kentucky, USA

[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The death toll from the flooding in eastern Kentucky, USA, has risen to at least 25, and the number of people rescued has increased to at least 1,200, according to USA Today on the 30th (local time).

From the 27th to the 28th, heavy rain poured over the Appalachian Plateau, causing rivers to overflow and resulting in large-scale flooding in eastern Kentucky. Homes and roads were submerged, and rescue and search operations are underway, with the scale of damage expected to increase.

Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, stated at a press conference that a total of 25 people have been confirmed dead due to the flooding so far. Governor Beshear said, "We are praying for the families suffering from loss," and warned that the number of victims could rise significantly during rescue operations. He explained, "It is feared that it will take weeks to recover the bodies," adding, "The site is literally completely destroyed, and it is a situation never seen before."

Although the rain has stopped in most areas, some rain is forecast to continue starting from the 31st into next week. The Kentucky Weather Service forecasted, "Due to the heavy rain in recent days, river and stream levels remain high," and "From Sunday through next Thursday, thunderstorms with showers and heavy rain may occur, with some possibility of flooding."

As of the morning of the same day, electricity and gas supply have been cut off to 18,000 households across Kentucky. President Joe Biden declared Kentucky a federal disaster area and initiated emergency relief funding support.

Western Virginia and southern West Virginia are also affected by the flooding, with power outages and road washouts occurring in some areas. West Virginia declared a state of emergency in six counties, and Virginia also declared a state of emergency in the southwestern region.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.