Appalachian flooding deaths in US set to climb

Trapped homeowners swam to safety and others were rescued by boat as record flash flooding killed at least 16 people in eastern Kentucky in the United States. The deluge swamped entire Appalachian towns and prompted a frenzied search for survivors through some of the poorest communities in America.

In Knott County, volunteer fire departments have joined together to man a shelter at the Knott County Sportsplex. Officials warned the death toll would likely grow sharply and more rain was forecast in coming days. Entire towns that hug creeks and streams in narrow valleys were swallowed up. Scientists warn that climate change is making weather disasters more common.