Deadly US Floods Kill 18 as Rivers Rage in South and Midwest .

floods in the US South and Midwest claim 18 lives. Rivers overflow, homes flood, and evacuations rise in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas

US deadly floods 2025

Rivers swelled across the US South and Midwest on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving at least 18 people dead. Heavy rains and fierce winds battered states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas for days. Homes sank underwater, roads vanished, and families fled to safety. The storms, which started Wednesday, brought what experts call “historic” flooding.

In Frankfort, Kentucky, the Kentucky River rose above 47 feet, threatening to break records. Rescue teams paddled inflatable boats through flooded streets to check on residents. Workers stacked sandbags to shield businesses and homes. “I’m 52, and this is the worst flooding I’ve ever seen,” said Wendy Quire, who runs a restaurant in downtown Frankfort. The city’s flood walls can handle up to 51 feet of water, but the river may test that limit.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, 10 people lost their lives. A small town called Rives, home to about 200, drowned when the Obion River spilled over after a levee failed. “My dad’s house is paid off, but flood insurance isn’t available here,” said Domanic Scott, a worried resident. “If we lose it, we’re stuck.” In Arkansas, a 5-year-old boy died when a tree crashed into his family’s home, trapping him inside.

The National Weather Service warned that rivers could keep rising for days. Some areas, like Falmouth and Butler in Kentucky, faced mandatory evacuations. Thirty years ago, the Licking River hit 50 feet there, killing five and destroying 1,000 homes. People fear a repeat. Tornado watches also loomed over Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, adding to the chaos.

So, what caused this disaster? Experts point to warm air, strong winds, and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. These mixed to create a slow-moving storm that dumped up to 14 inches of rain in Memphis alone. West Memphis, Arkansas, saw 10 inches. Power outages hit over 54,000 homes, and flights faced delays nationwide.

However, hope persists. Communities are pulling together. In Frankfort, hotels like the Ashbrook offered cheap rooms to those displaced. “This feels like an act of God,” said Kevin Gordon, a hotel clerk, “but we’re doing what we can.” Volunteers in Tennessee and Arkansas are also helping with rescues and supplies.

For more updates on this crisis, check AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW). You can also read detailed reports from NBC News for additional context. The floods show nature’s power, but they also reveal human strength in tough times. Stay safe, and keep informed.