Authorities impose curfews in eastern Kentucky amid reports of looting after deadly flash flooding

Authorities have imposed curfews in eastern Kentucky to stop the looting that has followed last week's deadly rain and flash flooding.

A curfew is now in effect from midnight to 6 a.m. in Letcher County, according to local TV station Fox19.

"The only exceptions are for work, medical emergencies and first responders," the country sheriff's office posted on its Facebook page Sunday night.

"The curfew for off road-vehicles (4 wheelers, side by sides, etc.) will be from dark until daylight. We will NOT tolerate anyone taking advantage of our already vulnerable community. We have lost enough! We are better than this!If you see anyone looting, call 911," the post also reads.

However, people traveling for work, first responders and those having medical emergencies are exempt from the curfew, according to Mountain News WYMT.

At least 28 people have died as a result of the flooding, which knocked out power, crumbled bridges and swamped homes with mud and flood water.

The town of Hindman also has announced a curfew for residents.

"If you are taking advantage of people in their time of need, you are sick," Mayor Tracy Neice said. "You will not hurt my people. You just won’t."