At least four people have died after torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding across parts of the US state of Kentucky, prompting Governor Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency, according to media reports on Saturday.
In a post on X, Beshear said three of the victims died in Madison County, while one fatality was reported in Jackson County.
The governor declared a state of emergency after forecasts warned of additional heavy rainfall overnight, raising concerns over worsening flood conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 6 inches (15 centimetres) of rain have fallen in parts of Kentucky.
Describing the situation as a “serious flooding event,” Beshear said emergency crews had already carried out multiple water rescues involving people trapped in vehicles and homes across the state.