PERRY COUNTY, Ky. — Powerful floodwaters swallowed towns that hug creeks and streams in Appalachian valleys and hollows, leaving vehicles in useless piles, crunching runaway equipment and piles of debris against bridges and swamping homes and businesses.

“It is devastating,” Gov. Andy Beshear told CNN on Friday before touring the disaster area. “Our number of Kentuckians we’ve lost is now at 15. I expect it to more than double. And it’s going to include some children.”

While floodwaters receded in places after peaking Thursday, the National Weather Service said flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall remained possible through Friday evening.

Here's a glimpse at the devastation in southeastern Kentucky.

Learn how you can help recovery efforts in eastern Kentucky here.