Severe storms and heavy rain have caused devastating floods in the South and Midwest, resulting in the loss of at least 19 lives. The ongoing river flooding poses a significant threat, leading to evacuations in affected areas. In Kentucky, hundreds of roads have been closed due to flooding, mudslides, and rockslides, as reported by The Associated Press. The state capital, Frankfort, has faced utility shutdowns as the river approaches record high levels.
Among the reported fatalities, 10 occurred in Tennessee, while two deaths were recorded in Kentucky, including a tragic incident involving a 9-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters on his way to school. In Arkansas, a 5-year-old boy lost his life when a tree fell on his family’s home, and in Missouri, two individuals, including a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter, lost their lives.
Some areas in the South received over 10 inches of rainfall in recent days, with certain locations recording more than 15 inches, such as Benton and Hickory in Kentucky, according to NOAA. Falmouth and Butler in Kentucky, both situated near the Licking River, are under mandatory evacuation orders. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas have declared states of emergency in response to the crisis.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, while rescue teams are conducting house-to-house checks in inflatable boats to ensure the safety of inhabitants. In addition to flooding, the region has been plagued by tornado warnings, with confirmed tornadoes hitting areas like Blue Springs, Mississippi, and causing fatal damage in Jasper County.
