Mud, Rain, Debris Hamper Search For Kentucky Flood Victims
Relentless rains and challenging geography are hampering rescue teams as they search for six people who disappeared during a flash flood that killed two and ravaged a rural eastern Kentucky community.
On Tuesday, a day after the floodwaters tore through Flat Gap, rescuers trudged through knee-deep mud as they climbed over piles of wreckage and fought off swarming mosquitoes amid stifling humidity. Houses, trailers, cars, and entire roads were washed away.
Families of the missing were participating in the searches. But as the rain returned, police warned them to find shelter.
Authorities called off their search about 8 p.m. Tuesday, with plans to resume the effort Wednesday morning. The search area stretches over more than 8 rugged miles. Authorities estimate more than 150 homes were destroyed.