HOUSTON, Texas

The death toll continues to rise in Kentucky as massive flooding and ongoing rainfall is causing destruction across wide swathes of the eastern region of the US state. 

"We have confirmed more fatalities from the eastern Kentucky floods. Our loss now stands at 35," Governor Andy Beshear tweeted. "Pray for these families and for those who are missing."

Hundreds of people remain missing with state officials preparing for the worst. Rescue operations are being hampered by continuing floodwaters and impassable areas.

Refrigerator trucks are serving as mobile morgues to store bodies before they are flown to the medical examiner's office for autopsies.

"Today is going to be another dangerous weather day for eastern Kentucky, with more rain expected in the region through this evening," said Beshear. "Isolated flash flooding and damaging winds are possible and we urge everyone in hard-hit areas to seek shelter on higher ground."

The flooding has destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving residents scrambling to find a place to stay.

Schools, churches and community centers are being used as makeshift shelters for displaced residents.

"We have hundreds of millions of dollars of damage, hundreds of people displaced, but we are moving and moving fast," said Beshear.

President Joe Biden has ordered federal aid to assist with recovery efforts in 13 counties, with more areas expected to be added to the list.

Thousands of people are without power, and state officials expect the start of the school year to be delayed because of flood damage to district buildings and facilities.

"We want to make sure we wrap our arms around our Eastern Kentucky brothers and sisters and make sure they are okay," said Beshear.