The death toll from massive flooding in Kentucky has risen to 28, with more expected as search and rescue efforts continue, the governor said late Sunday.
Rain was still falling on Sunday as rescue teams continued their search for survivors, and some areas remained inaccessible due to downed power lines and other hazardous conditions. It’s not clear how many people are still missing, but the governor warned that “we’re going to be finding bodies for weeks.”
‘GOING TO BE FINDING BODIES FOR WEEKS’: KENTUCKY FLOODING DEATH TOLL REACHES 26
“We are still focused on meeting the immediate needs of providing food, water, and shelter for thousands of our fellow Kentuckians who have been displaced by this catastrophic flood,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in the release. “At the same time, we have started on the long road to eventual recovery.”
The state has begun making travel trailers and state parks available for those who have been displaced by the floods and mudslides, and a flood watch remained active at least through Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. More than 350 survivors are temporarily staying in 15 shelters and at two state parks, the governor said.
The massive flooding has led to flash floods, landslides, and mudslides, causing “hundreds of millions of dollars” in damage, Beshear said. President Joe Biden declared a federal disaster in the area last week that directed relief money to over a dozen counties in the state.
It’s likely the death toll may be even higher, and the Lexington Herald-Leader estimated at least 33 deaths as of Sunday night based on data from two county coroners’ offices.
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Storms are expected to continue in Kentucky at least until Tuesday, with more flooding possible, according to the National Weather Service. Wednesday may bring temporary relief, but more rain could arrive on Thursday.
“Next couple days are going to be hard,” Beshear said in a video announcement. “We’ve got rain and maybe even a lot of rain that’s going to hit the same areas. Please pray for the people in these areas, and if you are in the areas that are going to get hit by rain, make sure you stay safe. Make sure you have a place that is higher ground. Go to a shelter.”
