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Devastating forest fires in the west, deadly floods in the east.
The people of the United States are currently struggling against several natural disasters.
In the state of Kentucky in the eastern United States, there were extreme floods.
Thirteen counties across the state are affected, particularly in regions plagued by poverty following the decline of the coal industry.
Rachel Patton, Resident
“Everything's gone.
It's all gone.
My whole life is destroyed.«
Unusually heavy rainfall within a short period of time had triggered the floods.
Rachel Patton, Resident
“We had to swim out of the house.
And it was cold, it got over my head.
It was scary!"
According to the latest information, at least 25 people died in Kentucky.
Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
“This number will continue to rise.
We don't usually lose that many people in floods.
It's really bad this time.
I'm afraid we'll be finding bodies for weeks."
Many roads and bridges in the mountainous region were damaged or destroyed.
Rescuers and residents continue to search for survivors.
The National Guard is also on duty.
The north branch of the Kentucky River reached a water level of more than twenty feet.
The previous record was around 4.50 meters.
Numerous relief efforts have now been launched for the victims.
While the people of Kentucky struggle against flooding, other states have far too little of it.
California is currently particularly affected by devastating forest fires, where the McKinney Fire expanded from one square kilometer to 160 square kilometers overnight.
The reason for this: great drought and strong and changing winds.
California wildfire season hasn't even started yet.
Local residents are trying to prepare as best they can.
Jerry Caputo, Resident
“You need a water tank.
You will also need a connection for fire hoses.
You need a sprinkler system in the house.
You need a certain vegetation around the house.
She must be native to the region.
And it has to be at least twenty feet from the house.”
Already, people in California fear they are facing an unusually strong wildfire season.
According to experts, the increase in such extreme weather phenomena is a result of man-made climate change.
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