For several days in a row, severe weather such as tornadoes and heavy rain in the southern and central-western United States has already claimed the lives of 25 people. Some areas this week are still facing the threat of flooding.
According to media reports, Kentucky set a record for the highest consecutive rainfall in the state from the 2nd to the 5th of the month, with serious disasters prompting the evacuation of residents in several cities. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated on Monday, April 7th, that over 500 roads in the state remained closed that day, with at least 20 towns experiencing water supply system disruptions, and river levels still on the rise.
Furthermore, the rainfall in Arkansas last week equated to about three months’ worth of rainfall compared to the same period in previous years. Memphis, Tennessee saw record-breaking rainfall on the 5th of April for the month, and 14 counties in Mississippi reported losses due to the severe weather.
According to the latest information from ABC News in the United States, the severe weather since last Wednesday, April 2nd, has resulted in at least 25 fatalities, with Tennessee being the hardest-hit state, recording 10 deaths. Additionally, Kentucky reported 6 deaths, Missouri 3 cases, Georgia and Arkansas each reported 2 cases, while Indiana and Mississippi each had 1 case.
According to AccuWeather, a U.S.-based private media company that provides commercial weather forecasting services, the economic losses caused by the persistent severe weather and flooding so far are estimated to be as high as $90 billion.
“This once-in-a-century storm has resulted in significant loss of life and property damage, and we are deeply saddened by it,” said Jonathan Porter, Chief Meteorologist at AccuWeather. “Some of the most severely affected communities may take several years to slowly recover.”