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'DEVASTATING' Kentucky flash floods claim 8 lives, thousands stranded on rooftops

Meteorologists say rainy conditions are expected throughout the weekend and even into next week, possibly leading to more flooding

At least eight people were confirmed dead on Thursday, July 28, after heavy rains caused massive flooding across eastern Kentucky, leaving thousands of people stranded on rooftops and without a power supply and other essentials. More casualties are expected after torrential rains, flash flooding, and mudslides in central Appalachia in Kentucky. 

Governor Andy Beshear tweeted, "Tonight we need your continued prayers for the people of Eastern Kentucky. This is an ongoing natural disaster, with more rain expected tonight that could worsen the situation. The death toll has heartbreakingly risen to 8 Kentuckians lost." Beshear added, "Today I made a direct request to @POTUS for federal assistance to respond to the devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky. The damage suffered is enormous and recovery will be a long-term effort. This assistance is critical to our efforts and essential for our people." According to the National Weather Service of Jackson, a flood warning was in effect for several Eastern Kentucky counties until 3 pm on Thursday.

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In Breathitt County in eastern Kentucky, floodwaters covered roads and swamped homes and businesses. At least 1 to 2 inches of rain was expected between Thursday night into Friday south of Interstate 64, he said. Flash floods were possible in some areas, forecasts show. Meteorologists say rainy conditions are expected throughout the weekend and even into next week, possibly leading to more flooding. A relief fund has been launched to assist those impacted, stated Beshear in his tweet.

Belinda Asher, 37, was sleeping in her home in eastern Kentucky when she was awoken at 1.15 am by a flash flood alert on her phone. Asher described the flooding as a "war zone." Her family who lives in the area and her neighbors were also not spared by the rising water. "The whole thing is just gone. I think I saw my porch in the creek when we were leaving, and I saw a part of the door frame," she said. In Elkhorn City, Glenda Looney and her husband sat on their porch after moving stuff to the second floor and praying for the water to go down. The water was a foot deep in the laundry room and the floors in most of the rooms in the house were soaked. "We are just so thankful that all we have here is cleaning" and ripping up carpets, we feel bad for the people who have lost so much."

The floods in Kentucky have also sparked discussions on social media platforms. A user tweeted, "Praying for the people of eastern Kentucky ravaged by floods. Two have died and more are missing. #kentuckyfloods". Another user requested to contribute to the fundraising, "My heart breaks for my Kentucky neighbors who have lost everything. Their homes; their entire towns; even their lives. Please help if you can. No donation is too small to count, as does every share". Another user tweeted, "Kentucky is always worth fighting for. Thankful for @GovAndyBeshear mobilizing the resources of our Commonwealth to stand with and support the people of EKY. See below how you can help our brothers and sisters. It’s going to be a long road, let’s come together #TeamKentucky."

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