Tragic Flooding in Kentucky Claims Nine Lives, including Mother and Daughter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Severe flooding in Kentucky has resulted in at least nine fatalities, including a mother and her 7-year-old daughter, as emergency teams respond to widespread devastation across the state. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night in the Bonnieville community of Hart County when their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, local officials stated on Sunday.

Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts confirmed that the child’s body was recovered Saturday night, while the mother’s body was located on Sunday afternoon. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that most deaths were linked to vehicles becoming stranded in high water. “This is one of the most serious weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade,” Beshear remarked. He urged residents to avoid roadways during ongoing rescue operations, saying, “So folks, stay off the roads right now and stay alive.”

As the search-and-rescue efforts continue, emergency responders have conducted over 1,000 rescues since the storms began on Saturday. The flooding has primarily impacted several counties, including Hart, Pike, and Clay, with many victims attempting to navigate flooded roads.

In Hart County, a 73-year-old man was also discovered dead in floodwaters, according to Clay County‘s Emergency Management Deputy Director Revelle Berry. As of Sunday afternoon, nearly 40,000 residents had lost power, with an additional 9,800 service connections without water and 26,000 residents under a boil-water advisory.

The Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson has closed its emergency department and is transferring patients to nearby hospitals due to the flooding. The north fork of the Kentucky River is projected to crest nearly 14 feet above flood stage later this week.

In response to the catastrophic flooding, President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for Kentucky, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.

Across southern states, severe storms also led to tornadoes. In Alabama, an EF-1 tornado touched down in Hale and Perry counties early Sunday, damaging several homes. Additionally, in Tennessee, parts of the state faced similar flooding from up to 6 inches of rain during the weekend storms, according to the National Weather Service‘s senior forecaster Bob Oravec.

“The effects will continue for a while, with many swollen streams and ongoing flooding,” Oravec added. “Any time there’s flooding, it can last much longer than the rain itself.”

In northeastern Philadelphia, a woman was killed when a tree fell on her vehicle during the storm, showcasing the widespread impact of harsh weather conditions throughout the region. As flooding continues to create hazardous conditions, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and stay indoors.

The Division of Emergency Management in Lexington has issued specific flood warnings, advising residents to heed local safety advisories. Lee County Judge Executive Steve Mays confirmed that evacuations have been ordered in Beattyville due to rising water levels.