Deadly flooding leaves at least 37 dead in eastern Kentucky Read more: https://asiaplustj.info/en/news/world/20220802/deadly-flooding-leaves-at-least-37-dead-in-eastern-kentucky

At least 37 people have now been confirmed dead following catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky last week.

Speaking at a briefing, Governor Andy Beshear announced on August 1 that the death toll in Kentucky climbed to 37 from last week’s massive flooding.

The governor said hundreds of people were unaccounted for. He said a report over the weekend of a smaller number was only for one state police post.

More severe storms were possible across all the counties affected by the flooding, Beshear said.

U.S. media reports say parts of eastern Kentucky reportedly received between 8 and 10 1/2 inches of rain over 48 hours last week and the National Weather Service said radar indicated up to 4 inches of rain fell Sunday in some areas.

Towns and cities hit the hardest by torrential rains include Hazard, Jackson, Garrett, Salyersville, Booneville, Whitesburg, and Perry County.

More than 12,000 customers reportedly remained without power, many because their homes and businesses have been destroyed or aren’t fit for habitation. Floodwaters tore through the area so violently and quickly that residents barely had time to get out. Shelters were reportedly housing at least 300 people.

The flooding last week swelled over roads, destroyed bridges and swept away entire homes, displacing thousands of Kentuckians. Vital electricity, water and roadway infrastructure was also knocked out.

CNN cited officials as saying that temperatures are expected to rise later this week, hitting the mid-80s and near 90 on Wednesday and Thursday, per the weather service, but it will feel much hotter because of the humidity.

As the climate crisis fuels more frequent extreme weather events, several areas of the United States are currently experiencing flash flood risk, including swathes of the desert Southwest, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Tucson, Arizona.