Death toll climbs to 40 from July floods in eastern Kentucky

Another death has been attributed to the catastrophic flooding that hit eastern Kentucky in July.

Gov. Andy Beshear said the latest victim died during cleanup efforts in Pike County. No identification or details about the death were announced.

The death brought the total from the flooding to 40.

Raging floodwaters in late July destroyed homes and businesses and caused significant damage to schools, roads, bridges and water systems. The disaster robbed thousands of families of all their possessions.

Also Tuesday, Beshear announced that Knott and Letcher counties are the first to request and receive assistance from the Eastern Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies Fund. They will receive a total of more than $1.28 million.