Last Updated 4 weeks by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana Task Force #1, along with Indiana Conservation Officers, deployed to Kentucky Saturday and Sunday after a powerful storm battered much of the Southeast, bringing intense winds, heavy rains, and severe flooding.
At least 10 people were killed in the storm. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed in a post on X that nine of the fatalities occurred in his state.
“I am deeply saddened to share that we’ve confirmed another weather-related death in Pike County, bringing the total loss in Kentucky to nine,” Beshear wrote.
In addition, emergency responders carried out more than 1,000 rescues across the region, according to Beshear.
On Saturday, Indiana Task Force #1 announced 49 members had been activated to assist with search and rescue efforts in Kentucky.
Early Sunday, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement reported on their Facebook that 16 Indiana Conservation Officers were being deployed to help out with rescue efforts in flooded parts of Kentucky. “Keep these officers and the victims of this disaster in your thoughts and prayers,” the post said.
Pictures show the DNR pickup trucks with boats towed behind them. DNR has not reported when the 16 officers will return to Indiana.
By Sunday evening, nearly 100 million Americans were under weather alerts, watches, or warnings. A wave of cold air swept through much of the northern U.S., while wild storms caused flooding and prompted tornado warnings throughout the South.
As a result, over 700,000 homes and businesses from New York to Alabama were left without power due to heavy rains and powerful winds, according to poweroutage.us.
Flooding continued to devastate several Southern states after some areas received over 6 inches of rain in the last 48 hours.
In Kentucky, the National Weather Service Louisville reported the state had been hit with more than 6 inches of rain, leading to significant flooding.
Local authorities, including the Louisville Metro Police Department’s river patrol and swift water rescue teams, were working alongside fire departments to provide aid in the affected areas.
Beshear noted on social media that the White House had approved an emergency disaster declaration for the historic flooding, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency had already arrived in Kentucky to assist with the recovery efforts.
“From mudslides in the east to snow in the west, the situation remains dangerous,” Beshear added.
