In the US, eastern Kentucky has been hit by deadly flooding for the past 24 hours. A new toll has been drawn, at least 16 people have been killed in this Midwestern state. Joe Biden has declared a state of natural disaster. According to the local authorities, the number of people could still increase. Rescue teams searched the disaster areas all day yesterday in search of survivors.
Impressive mudslides
On board boats and helicopters, rescue workers traversed this rural region where many people live in small hamlets. The teams pass rivers that have suddenly burst out of their beds. A total of 300 people were rescued, said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who was able to fly over the area.
“There are many mudslides and impassable roads. In Jackson, much of the city is under water. Hundreds of homes, playgrounds, parks, businesses are under water that I don’t think any of us have ever seen.”
Also in this Jackson town, some residents were evacuated as a precaution due to mud building up on the local dam. Several dozen people are still missing in the region. There is no longer a telephone network. And the potential survivors are therefore unable to reach their loved ones or the emergency services.
It is now a long house-to-house work to be organized while the water level has to gradually decrease within 24 to 48 hours. Many scientists believe these intense and frequent floods are due to climate change, as a warmer atmosphere increases the risk of heavier rainfall.