Kentucky flooding: State of emergency declared as governor expects deaths in the “double digits”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Thursday as eastern Kentucky continues to deal with severe flooding, with parts of the region hit by as much as 15 cm of rain in a 24-hour period.

Beshear confirmed at least three deaths related to the flooding on Thursday, but said he expected the death rate to climb into the “double digits.”

The National Weather Service declared flood emergencies and warned that life-threatening flash floods could be possible in several regions, including Breathitt, Perry, Owsley, Knott and Clay.

“In a word, this event is devastating. And I do believe it will end up being one of the most significant deadly floods that we have had in Kentucky in at least a very long time,” Beshear said.

He said that as of Thursday afternoon a number of people remained unaccounted for, but did not provide a specific number.

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