President Joe Biden has pledged more financial aid to disaster-hit Kentucky, making the state's recent devastating flash floods "dangerous." another sign of climate change.”
President and First LadyJill Biden first responders left homeless Monday after worst flooding in state history in late July I met people and their families.
About 38 people died in eastern Kentucky after a severe storm that rained between 8 and 10.5 inches in 48 hours. Mr. Biden previously visited the state after a devastating tornado killed 77 peoplein the region in December.
"I'm sorry. This is the second time I've been to Kentucky because of the crisis," he said. “We promise…as long as it takes time, we will be here.
The Bidens arrived at Blue Grass Airport in Air Force One just before 11 a.m. local time, where they were met by Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton.
The Bidens then met with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and his wife Britney. The foursome drove to see some of the devastation in Breathitt County, stopping at the site of a flood-carried school bus crashing into a partially collapsed building.
The roads along the route were littered with building materials, clothing and household items.
"This is part of everyone's home. It's the only thing left," Gov. Beshear told President Biden. "It took away the power...just unbelievable."
He explained that the "torrents" were responsible for the damage.
The group then headed to a briefing on the effects of the floods with first responders and recovery experts at Mary Roberts Elementary School in Lost Creek.
"I feel great," Biden, who was officially cleared Sunday after being quarantined from a recurrent case of Covid-19, told reporters this morning.
The president scored a major victory on the domestic agenda after the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act on Sunday. A bill to address the climate crisis and prescription drug prices passed through tough party lines in a tie vote by Vice President Kamala Harris. It will be sent to the House for a vote on Friday and, if passed, will be signed into law by Mr. Biden.
In response to the Kentucky disaster, the President has made federal decisions, including covering his 100% of emergency services in eastern Kentucky's cities and counties for 30 consecutive days. Emergency aid has been allowed, he confirmed on Sunday, Gov. Beshear.
Among the Kentucky fatalities were his four younger siblings who were separated from their parents in Notts County.
The bodies of 8-year-old Madison Noble, 5-year-old Riley Jr., 5-year-old Nevea, 4-year-old Chance, and her 2-year-old Chance were the remains of her parents, Riley Noble and Amber. She was found on July 29, the day after she was separated from Smith. When the house was flooded, when the family clung to the tree.
Heavy rain fell rapidly on 28 July, trapping many residents in their homes. In some places, torrents of water and mud flowed through the neighborhood, causing houses to lift completely off their foundations. The Kentucky River reached its all-time high crest in the towns of Whitesburg and Jackson.
More thunderstorms expected later this week.
Flash floods are becoming more common and more intense across the United States due to theclimate crisisa recent study found. As it warms, some areas will experience more intense storms, dropping more water at once and risking rapid flooding.
AP contributed to this report
