A severe storm has caused the death of at least 11 people in Kentucky over the weekend. Among them, a mother and her 7-year-old child were killed, as they were swept away by the high waters caused by the storm.
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According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the unnamed mother and her child were two of the many deaths that have been caused by the high waters causing vehicles to be stuck. Both mother and child, from Hart County, were swept away, causing their deaths, on Saturday, February 15, as reported by WDRB.
During a Sunday news release issued by Beshear, the governor detailed some of the deaths that have transpired as a result of the Kentucky storm.
"The fatalities include motor vehicle-related deaths of men in Hart and Nelson counties; and floodwater-related deaths of a man in Clay County, a woman and a child in Hart County, two men in Pike County and a woman in Washington County," Beshear said, reported by FOX 56.
Deadly Storm
According to CBS News, a total of 12 people have been killed during the storm, 11 of them in Kentucky. A person in Atlanta died after a large tree fell on their home on Sunday. Governor Beshear confirmed the Kentucky death toll on Monday, February 17, but warned that "that number may still grow."
"We need Kentuckians to remain alert. There are more than 300 road closures, with (state transportation) leaders saying the statewide impact is historic," Beshear said. "From mudslides in the east to snow in the west, the situation is dangerous. Please plan ahead, avoid travel and stay safe, Kentucky."
Other deaths include a 73-year-old man who was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County, according to The Associated Press. According to WDRB, a 62-year-old man, Thomas Oakes died in Hardin County as his car was stuck in the waters. While emergency responders got Oakes out of his vehicle, they were unable to revive him.
Over the weekend, approximately 1,000 people stranded were rescued, according to Beshear. Approximately 39,000 homes experienced power outages, with the storm causing six inches of rain according to CNN.
Beshear would thank President Donald Trump after approving his request for an emergency disaster declaration. This means that federal funding will be able to help those in Kentucky's impacted areas.
