Kentucky storm claims 21 lives as disaster area is declared

ISTANBUL

The number of fatalities from last week’s severe weather in the Southern US state of Kentucky has climbed to 21, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on X on Saturday.

Over the weekend, Kentucky experienced deadly floods during a bitter cold snap, while the Central Plains continues to suffer as a new storm brought additional heavy snow and strong winds.

“I’m sad to share the number of those lost to the weather this week has grown to 21, with the most recent a man in Logan County,” Beshear said on X.

He added, mentioning his wife: “These are our fellow Kentuckians, each one a child of God gone too soon. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for their families.”

Other victims include several adults who died from hypothermia or flooding, and one child died with their mother when their car was swept away, local sources said.

Meanwhile, as the storm system intensified last week, winter weather alerts were issued for roughly 60 million people from the Central Plains all the way to the Carolina coast, NBC reported.

Last weekend, Beshear announced that Kentucky has been declared a disaster area by the White House and is now waiting for federal approval for direct aid.

The state has also applied for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The governor has been urging people to donate to his Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, set up for those hit by the storms that began on Feb. 15, with the first priority being funeral expenses.

"Funds go directly to those affected and will cover funeral costs for families in mourning," Beshear said on X.

Relief might be on the horizon this week as forecasts from the National Weather Service field office in Louisville predict warmer, drier, and springlike conditions early in the week.

In a recent update, Beshear said roughly 660 residents still remain without power and that over 108 roads across the state are closed.

Additionally, nearly 600 Kentuckians have taken shelter outside their homes, in parks, hotels, schools, and churches.

“Kentucky has suffered one of the worst natural disasters in years, with impacts felt statewide,” Beshear posted.

“While we still have a long road ahead, I am grateful for the progress being made to restore power, open roads and help our neighbors stay safe. We’re in this together,” he said.