Torrential rains have ravaged the region, with Governor Andy Besir declaring a state of emergency in six counties. Trapped homeowners were forced to swim to safety and others were rescued by boat as record flooding hit the US state. The flood has engulfed entire Appalachian towns and sparked a frantic search for survivors in some of America’s poorest communities. Image: Lost Creek in Kentucky. Photo: AP “We are currently experiencing one of the worst, most destructive flood events in Kentucky history,” he said. “Hundreds will lose their homes.” He said it could take weeks to find all the victims of the flash floods. Among the dead was an 81-year-old woman in Perry County, and local authorities say several people are missing. Image: Quicksand, Kentucky. Photo: AP The flooding marked the second major national disaster to hit Kentucky in seven months, following a cluster of tornadoes that claimed nearly 80 lives in the western part of the state in December. “Our teams are working around the clock to help those affected. There are still many people missing,” Governor Beshear said. He said: “This situation is ongoing. We are still in search and rescue mode.” Mr. Beshear has appealed for federal help and said the damage caused could take years to repair. Image: Garrett, Kentucky. Photo: Pat McDonogh/USA Today via Reuters The National Guard and state police are using helicopters and boats to rescue people drowning in floodwaters, and evacuation centers have been set up in state parks. More than 24,000 households are without power, according to the website Poweroutage.us. Flood warnings and watches remain in effect throughout the day for the eastern half of the state, as well as northeast Tennessee and western Virginia, where more rain is expected to swell waterways that are already well above their flood stages, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
