At least 10 dead in US floods and heavy rain

A severe storm has caused significant devastation in the southeastern United States, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives due to heavy rainfall and flooding over the weekend. The torrential downpours submerged numerous roads and homes, creating hazardous conditions for residents. Kentucky's Governor, Andy Beshear, reported that nine individuals lost their lives in his state alone, and he declared a state of emergency to address the crisis. Approximately 1,000 people were stranded in floodwaters and required rescue efforts, highlighting the urgency of the situation. As the weather begins to shift, forecasters predict drier but colder conditions, with the potential for snow and ice, which could further complicate recovery efforts for those already affected by the flooding. In Georgia, a man tragically died when a tree fell on his home while he was asleep, illustrating the storm's widespread impact. The storm affected several states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, all of which were under some form of storm-related alert. Many of these areas had already experienced severe damage from Hurricane Helene in September, compounding the challenges faced by residents. The storm left hundreds of thousands of homes without power, although that number decreased to tens of thousands by early Monday morning, according to Poweroutage. us. Some regions in Kentucky received an astonishing 6 inches of rain, leading to significant flooding issues. The rapid influx of rain caused rivers to rise quickly, trapping vehicles in deep water, as seen in images shared online. Numerous roads were closed due to the flooding. Among the victims in Kentucky were a mother and her seven-year-old child, as well as a 73-year-old man. A resident from Knott County expressed his anxiety about potentially losing everything again, as he was still in the process of rebuilding his home from devastating floods that occurred two years prior. Danny Laferty, the resident, noted that the type of flooding he experienced in recent years felt different. In response to the disaster, Governor Beshear reached out to the White House, requesting an emergency disaster declaration and federal funds for the affected areas. President Donald Trump approved this declaration on Sunday, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts, despite his previous suggestions to abolish the agency. In Obion County, Tennessee, heavy rains caused a levee to break, resulting in rapid flooding in the town of Rives, which has a population of around 300 people. Footage captured the scene of brown water rushing over rocks and past trees, while rescue workers in red boats navigated through flooded neighborhoods. The mayor of Obion County declared a state of emergency and ordered mandatory evacuations in Rives. Meanwhile, West Virginia's Governor Patrick Morrisey also declared a state of emergency in more than a dozen counties over the weekend. Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, stated that she had been in contact with the governors of the affected states. She emphasized that while local authorities are best equipped to manage emergencies, the Department of Homeland Security stands ready to provide immediate resources and support. The same weather system that caused the flooding is now bringing heavy snow to parts of Canada. Additionally, the National Weather Service has warned that arctic air could lead to record-breaking cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills in the central United States this week. Rescue operations are ongoing in places like Clarksville, Tennessee, as communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the storm.