Governor declares state of emergency in Kentucky floods

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the state, leaving one person dead, seven unaccounted for and widespread damage in multiple counties.

In a statement Tuesday, Beshear said the declaration would give local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.

The hardest-hit areas include Johnson and Rowan counties in eastern Kentucky, which are struggling with debris, downed power lines and difficult communication as they search for the missing.