The death toll from flooding in eastern Kentucky increased to eight, according to a statement from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency in six areas, saying the damage caused by the flood that inundated the state’s eastern region could take years to repair.
About 25,000 households in the eastern part of the state were left without electricity. According to reports, rescue operations that were started by boats and from the air are still ongoing. The National Weather Service has issued a warning that heavy rain may continue around Hazard, which is located in Appalachia at the foot of Mount Cumberland.