At least eight dead in floods in the United States

Six municipalities in the state of Kentucky have declared a state of emergency after severe thunderstorms led to major flooding.

Eight people have so far been confirmed dead, but according to the state's governor, the death toll is expected to reach double digits if the water continues to rise.

- This is an ongoing natural disaster and with more rain expected tonight it will worsen the situation further, says Andy Beshear on Twitter and warns that hundreds of residents will lose their homes.

- The water masses will leave damage that will take years to repair.

Lack of drinking water

Police and National Guard are using helicopters and boats to reach the people left in the bodies of water.

At least 23,000 households are without electricity and in parts of the area it is also difficult to get hold of drinking water.

Evacuation centers have been opened, but some of the facilities have also been affected by the storms, leaving them without electricity.

A flood warning is still in place over the region as heavy rain and storms are expected overnight and tomorrow.