CNN, July 30 (Washington)— At least 25 people have died due to flooding in eastern Kentucky this week, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

The governor said the death toll could rise in upcoming days as rescuers search new areas that are currently impassable.

Massive floodwaters washed out homes in several counties, leaving some residents scrambling to their rooftops to escape.

Officials believe thousands have been affected by the storms, and efforts to rebuild some areas may take years, the governor said Friday.

Scientists say the human-caused climate crisis is worsening extreme weather around the globe. Warmer air holds more water, which means more dangerous flooding, according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.