President Joe Biden and First LadyJill Biden traveled toKentuckyto meet family } to investigate the damage after the worst floods in state history.
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.
Later, upon arriving in eastern Kentucky, the Bidens were warmly received by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and his wife Britney. The four drove to see the devastation of the storm in Breathitt County, stopping at the site of a flood-carried school bus crashing into a partially collapsed building.
They will then attend a briefing on the effects of flooding by first responders and recovery experts at Mary Roberts Elementary School in Lost Creek.
"I feel great," Biden told reporters after being officially cleared Sunday after being isolated from a recurring case of Covid-19.
The president scored a major victory on the domestic agenda after the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act on Sunday. A bill to tackle the climate crisis and prescription drug prices was passed in a tie vote by Vice President Kamala Harris, in line with a strict party line.
About 38 people were killed last month in eastern Kentucky after a storm that brought 8 to 10 1/2 inches of rain in 48 hours.
Heavy rain fell rapidly, 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.
Among the dead 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 shared by parents Riley Noble and Amber Smith. She was found on July 29th, the day after she was separated from the family. , when the house was flooded, when the family clung to the tree.
More thunderstorms expected later this week.
President Biden has announced that he will cover 100% of the costs of certain emergency services in eastern Kentucky cities and counties for 30 consecutive days. Emergency aid has been authorized, Gov. Beshear confirmed Sunday.
Due to the climate crisis,a recent study found that flash floods are becoming more common and more intense across the United States. As the earth warms, some areas will experience more intense storms, dropping more water at once and threatening rapid flooding.
AP contributed to this report
