Doha: Authorities in the US state of Kentucky declared a state of emergency after four people were killed as a result of flash floods triggered by severe thunderstorms.

According to Qatar News Agency, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said three of the victims died in Madison County, while the fourth died in Jackson County as a result of the flooding.

He added that rescue teams carried out multiple operations to evacuate people from vehicles and homes in different parts of the state, as the risk of flooding continued.

The National Weather Service warned of flash flooding in parts of Kentucky and Indiana, noting that some areas had already received between 4 and 10 inches of rain, with more rainfall expected.

Local authorities predicted additional rainfall of up to 7 inches in some parts of the state through the evening, urging residents to be cautious and avoid driving because of poor nighttime visibility.