Washington: US President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in Kentucky amid the deadly flooding triggered by torrential rain in the State. As per the White House sources Biden has ordered federal aid to supplement Kentucky and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on Friday.

Damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed, it added.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in his tweet said that the federal funding is critical for our recovery efforts and Kentuckians impacted by the historic flooding.

He also confirmed that at least 16 people have died, while the flooding situation in Eastern Kentucky is ongoing. The Governor further said he expected the number to more than double and it’s going to include some children, while there were also a number of people unaccounted for.

Besides Kentucky, floods have also hit parts of West Virginia and Virginia. Beshear has declared a State of emergency for all of Kentucky and called in the National Guard to assist in the hardest-hit parts. Kentucky has also opened three State parks for those who lost their homes to take shelter.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice declared a State of emergency for six counties. The National Weather Service warned heavy rains and flooding could continue throughout the weekend in parts of Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.