Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Kentucky after it was hit with torrential rain over the weekend causing widespread flooding.
Democratic Governor Andy Beshear said Monday that at least 11 people had been killed by the weather and flooding and that the death toll could still rise. He added that “there is impact and damage everywhere” and warned residents that dangerous conditions throughout the state persisted.
“We are still in the search and rescue phase of this emergency,” he said during a press conference on Monday morning. “We still have multiple different missions that are underway. There are still people that are in harm’s way.”
Beshear that there have already been more than 1,000 rescues across the state with around 175 National Guard troops on the ground. Both Indiana and Tennessee have sent personnel to assist with rescue efforts.
Two National Guard troops had a dangerous escape after their truck was overcome by water during relief efforts over the weekend, Beshear said.
“And its very important today that we continue to remind folks not to drive through standing water, not to drive around barricades, they are there for a reason. We need to make sure that we are not creating additional emergency situations,” he said.
Beshear said that a storm relief fund has been created to provide relief for victims and that the funds will first go toward the funerals of those killed by the flooding.
”All of Kentucky still has standing water in different areas,” he said, noting that around 344 federal and state roads were impacted by the flooding.
More than 14,000 customers in Kentucky are currently without power, while 17,000 customers are without access to water.
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President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Kentucky on Sunday, authorizing both FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate the disaster relief response.
“Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding,” Trump’s approval said.
Beshear said Monday that he has applied for additional aid from the Trump administration and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
In the coming days, Kentucky is likely to experience more weather hazards as parts of the state are expected to get up to six inches of snow. Much of the water that hasn’t drained will likely freeze and could create hazardous black ice.
