In the last 24 hours, Kentucky, a rural state in the eastern United States, has faced the worst flooding in its history. A first balance transmitted by the local governor, Andy Beshar, illustrates the violence of the waves that fell on certain localities. At least 25 people have died according to authorities.
“I was completely surrounded by the water that was rising in my vehicle. I thought I was going to sit there and drown. I was so scared that I started praying,” testified, between sobs in his voice, a resident who was saved in extremis by a neighbor. .
Another woman, saved by the emergency services, told the cameras: “A helicopter came down about 1 meter from my car. They called the intervention team that came on their quad halfway, then they came to pick me up on foot.” .
cut telephone lines
Others were not so lucky. The case of the Noble family is shared in many American media this Saturday. His four children died, swept away by the waves. As soon as Mother Amber received a warning message, the mobile home where they were staying began to flood. First sheltered on the roof and then clinging to a tree, the parents were unable to contain their four children, whose bodies were found further away.
Rescue operations are especially complicated by the closure of many telephone lines. Therefore, the Noble family tried to contact 911, the emergency number on the other side of the Atlantic, to no avail.
President Joe Biden has declared a state of major disaster for Kentucky, freeing up significant federal funding for the state. Now it is necessary for the waters to recede to assess the damage. And potentially discover other victims. Another 250 people were missing in Breathitt County.
From a makeshift shelter, one resident promises, “I can assure you that we are among the hardest-working, most resilient people you will ever meet here. We will rebuild.”
Source: BFM TV
