Washington, 31 July 2022 (dpa/MIA) - At least 25 people died in devastating floods in the US state of Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said on Saturday. "We've got some tough news to share out of Eastern Kentucky today, where we are still in the search and rescue phase. Our death toll has risen to 25 lost, and that number is likely to increase," Beshear tweeted. According to current knowledge, four children are among the dead. Authorities said that it could be weeks before all the victims are found and that it was unclear how many people were missing since there is no mobile reception in large parts of the disaster zone. Flash floods and landslides followed heavy rains in Kentucky and in the neighbouring states of Virginia and West Virginia. Many people were surprised by the floods on Thursday night. Hundreds of people had already been rescued by boat and helicopter. US President Joe Biden approved a request for a major disaster declaration in Kentucky, unlocking federal funding to aid the recovery efforts. In December, more than 70 people died amid devastating tornadoes in the state.