A devastating flood in Kentucky has torn through communities, claiming multiple lives and forcing widespread evacuations.
According to Fox News, a mother and her seven-year-old daughter became victims of the severe flooding in Bonnieville, Kentucky, as the death toll climbed to twelve across the state.
The tragic incident occurred Saturday night when their vehicle became submerged in floodwater. Hart County Search and Rescue teams recovered the child's body later that night, while the mother's body was found Sunday afternoon, marking another heartbreaking chapter in the state's battle against severe weather conditions.
Governor Andy Beshear reported that emergency response teams have successfully conducted 1,000 rescues across Kentucky since the storms began on Saturday. The flooding has created dangerous conditions throughout the state, with most fatalities resulting from vehicles getting trapped in high water.
The severe weather system has also disrupted power infrastructure, leaving approximately 39,000 homes without electricity. Officials warn that strong winds in certain areas could potentially increase the number of outages.
Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee have experienced rainfall amounts reaching up to six inches, according to National Weather Service senior forecaster Bob Oravec. The heavy precipitation has transformed streets into waterways and submerged vehicles and buildings.
President Donald Trump has taken action by approving Kentucky's request for a disaster declaration. This authorization enables the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts throughout the affected regions.
Governor Beshear addressed the rising death toll with grave concern. His statement emphasized the human impact of the disaster:
I've got more tough news. The death toll in Kentucky has now risen to 12. WE must remember, this isn't just a number — these are Kentuckians who will be missed by their families and loved ones. Please pray for our commonwealth and our neighbors who have lost people they love.
The governor has strongly urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stating:
So folks, stay off the roads right now and stay alive. This is the search and rescue phase, and I am very proud of all the Kentuckians that are out there responding, putting their lives on the line.
Local authorities and residents have shared evidence of the flooding's impact through social media, documenting submerged vehicles and buildings throughout south-central and eastern Kentucky. The images reveal the extensive damage inflicted on infrastructure and property.
Emergency responders continue their tireless efforts to reach stranded residents and provide assistance to affected communities. The operation has become one of the largest rescue missions in recent Kentucky history.
The flooding has highlighted the vulnerability of certain areas to extreme weather events and the critical importance of emergency preparedness. Local officials are working to strengthen response capabilities as they deal with the current crisis.
The flooding disaster in Kentucky has resulted in twelve confirmed deaths, including a mother and her seven-year-old daughter in Bonnieville who were swept away by floodwaters. The severe weather event has triggered a massive emergency response, with 1,000 rescues conducted and thousands of homes left without power across the state. President Trump's disaster declaration has activated federal resources through FEMA, while Governor Beshear continues to coordinate state-level response efforts. The ongoing crisis has prompted officials to warn residents against travel as search and rescue operations continue throughout the affected regions.
