Massive floods hit Kentucky as the number of deaths rose to 30 with ‘hundreds’ still missing. Heavy rains have caused flash floods that swept away many counties.
Kentucky is a state in the southeast of the United States with a population of approximately 4.5 million. With one of the worst floods in history, Kentucky is now bracing itself for further flash floods. But as the rain stops, the scorching heat is likely to impart its own dangers.
Governor Andy Beshear paid his visit to the affected counties and confirmed the deaths of 30 and more. While plenty remained unaccounted for and fears continued to rise, the deadly floods have immersed the poorest region of the nation.
“If things weren’t hard enough on the people of this region, they’re getting rain right now,” Beshear said. “Just as concerning is high winds – think about how saturated the ground has been … it could knock over poles, it could knock over trees. So people need to be careful.”
Memories of the Deceased
The deceased’s family members share the memories of their loved ones taken by the waters. Diana Amburgey, 65, who was terrified of water, finally agreed to a vacation on the beach.
Chance (2), Neveah (4), Riley Jr. (6), and Madison Noble (8) recall their routines and love for playtime, their Aunt Brandi Smith shares her experience of days with them. The children have been swept away from their parents in floodwaters in Knott County.
Betty Jean Estep, 67 ran for her life as the storage shed broke loose and she was the person who feared spiders and high waters.
Rita Hall, the body was found in a one-story building in Hindman, a loving person who would rely on a walker to get around due to epilepsy.
Rescue Operations
The rescue operations are still underway as the bodies have been buried deep under the soil. The rescue workers are working through as the rain pours in. They have been trying to restore power, water and recover bodies.
As the bodies are being recovered, the death toll keeps on rising and no fixed number could be said by now. The floods have claimed the lives of 30 and are expected to climb.
Information from every corner leads to adding up the death toll and families are now mourning for their loved ones. The victims belong from octogenarians to toddlers.
The White House
The White House said of the historic floods, “We know that the impacts of the climate crisis are here and that we must invest in building resilience to protect our communities, infrastructure, and economy.”
An announcement made by Kamala Harris, Vice President of the US,
“Our communities are facing extreme weather made worse by the climate crisis, including hurricanes, floods, drought, extreme heat, and wildfires.”
The Appalshop
The Appalshop in Kentucky was the worst hit. Mud occupied the entire area thereby consuming all its preserved heritage. The place was recently renovated with a 150-seat theater which was now covered in sludge. All the CDs, film rolls, filing cabinets, et cetera were tangled. Amidst the loss of life, the people in Kentucky also mourned their lost cultural heritage.
The radio air room seemed like an aquarium with a water level above 5 feet. The caretakers of the radio station have now planned to move a part of their work to town temporarily.
Steve Ruth, a volunteer DJ on WMMT 88.7 FM, the Appalshop’s community radio station said, “It’s been a place where folks interested in mountain history and the region’s history have gathered,” and added, “It’s been a place that’s just not one little thing for one little group, folks from all walks of life can come in and feel good and safe.”
Ignoring the Dangers
Years of neglect of coal mining have led to the high rise in waters. Southeastern Kentucky is one of the poorest counties as a whole and is different from other rural areas. The small and shattered camps were built for miners a hundred years ago. Even though the work in the mine is tiresome, yet due to the heyday of coal, the occupation was necessary.
To Conclude
Due to the continuous mining process which provided jobs for people but made their life vulnerable in Kentucky. People have now begun to mourn for their beloved ones, yet ‘hundreds’ need to be recovered.
