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//Tragic Flooding in Kentucky Claims Nine Lives, Including Mother and Young Daughter//

Severe flooding in Kentucky has resulted in the tragic loss of at least nine lives, including a mother and her 7-year-old daughter. Officials confirmed the devastating news on Sunday as rescue teams worked tirelessly across the state.

Cars sit in floodwaters at a railroad underpass in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. 

The mother and child were swept away on Saturday night in the Bonnieville community when their vehicle was fully submerged in rising floodwaters, according to Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts. Later that night, search teams recovered the child’s body, and the mother’s remains were found Sunday afternoon, as reported by WNKY-TV. Authorities have not yet released their identities.

Rescue Operations Underway

Governor Andy Beshear stated that most of the fatalities were linked to vehicles getting trapped in high water. Urging residents to stay off the roads, Beshear emphasized the ongoing dangers of flooded streets and highways. “So folks, stay off the roads right now and stay alive,” he warned. “This is the search and rescue phase, and I am very proud of all the Kentuckians that are out there responding, putting their lives on the line.”

Since the storms began on Saturday, emergency teams have conducted over 1,000 rescues statewide. However, the dangers persist, with strong winds worsening the situation. Approximately 39,000 homes lost power, and officials cautioned that additional outages could occur as the weather conditions remain unstable.

Severe Weather Hits the Southeast

Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee were drenched with up to six inches of rain, according to Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service. The relentless rainfall led to rising water levels, trapping residents and leaving vehicles stranded.

Photos shared on social media depicted entire neighborhoods submerged, with streets transformed into rivers. In some areas, only rooftops remained visible above the waterline. Louisville, one of the hardest-hit cities, saw roads and railroad underpasses completely flooded, disrupting transportation and daily life.

Federal Assistance Approved

In response to the widespread destruction, President Donald Trump approved Kentucky’s request for a federal disaster declaration. This authorization allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts and provide aid to affected communities.

The heartbreaking toll of this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of flash flooding. As officials continue their search and rescue operations, residents are urged to remain vigilant and avoid any travel through flooded areas.

Emergency responders are working around the clock to assist those impacted by the storm. Officials are asking people to heed evacuation warnings and seek higher ground if needed to ensure their safety.