Kentucky floods: Death toll rises to at least 35

After the severe flooding in the US state of Kentucky, the death toll has risen to at least 35. Hundreds are still missing. Thousands are without power.

Jessica and her two children survived the Kentucky flood. Your house was torn from the foundation by the water masses, the water came completely unexpectedly. It got loud and then the water was at her door, she tells US broadcaster CNN.

So that they and their children would not be torn apart by the water, they tied themselves together. “I figured I can try to save us or if we don’t make it, at least all three of us will be found together.”

Damaged infrastructure hinders rescue work

Others were less fortunate. The story of four siblings who were torn from the roof of their house and washed away together is told on US television.

Hundreds of people are still missing, says Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on CNN. “I wish we knew more, but there are many reasons why that’s impossible. But I want to make sure we’re not giving false hope or false information.”

Finding survivors is difficult, the damaged infrastructure is hampering the rescue work: bridges have been torn down, roads have been flooded. More than 20,000 people still have no electricity, many no water either.

Government sets up aid fund

The Kentucky government has set up a relief fund to provide water and cleaning supplies to those affected, and the Salvation Army is also on site. However, strong winds and great heat in the coming days could make the situation even worse.

Jessica, the woman who saved her children with the hoover cable, is now staying with her mother, but she doesn’t know what will happen to her without insurance against the flood. “We have insurance, but we don’t have flood insurance because we don’t live in a flood-prone area. I don’t know what to do.”