KENTUCKY — Recovery efforts are underway for Eastern Kentucky after flash flooding devastated the area overnight in what Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear described as some of the worst flooding in the state’s history.
At a media briefing on Thursday morning, Beshear declared a state of emergency in the region and mobilized the Kentucky National Guard to deliver supplies and rescue Kentuckians. The state of emergency declaration opens up state financial resources to help fund assistance and recovery. It also empowers state agencies to coordinate efforts across federal, state, local, private sector and nonprofit agencies to minimize damage and restore essential services.
The governor also shared that three state parks would open up to anyone who has permanently or temporarily lost their home. Those parks are Jenny Wiley State Park, Buckhorn State Park and Pine Mountain State Park.
Flood shelters have also opened at the Breathitt County Courthouse, 1137 Main St., and the First Presbyterian Church in Hazard, 160 Broadway St. The Kentucky Region of the American Red Cross has also opened a shelter in Hazard. The number for the Hazard office is 606-629-3344.
The Floyd County Community Center (7199 KY-80) is open and available for those seeking shelter in Floyd County. In Pike County, Valley Elementary School (163 Douglas Pkwy.), East Kentucky Dream Center (free meal at 127 Hibbard St., free clothing at 1946 S. Mayo Trail) and New Beginnings Fellowship Church (116 Main St.) have been opened for shelter. In Knott County, the Hindmann Settlement School (51 Center St.) is also open for shelter.
In a briefing Thursday afternoon, Beshear announced the creation of the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, where people can make donations to help with recovery. The site, teamekyfloodrelieffund.ky.gov, went live at 4 p.m. on Thursday. In his announcement, the governor said that the fund would go directly to help families impacted by the flooding and help with ongoing relief efforts.
“I wish I could tell you why we keep getting hit here in Kentucky. I wish I could tell you why areas – where people may not have that much – continue to get hit and lose everything. I cannot give you the why, but I know what we do in response to it. And the answer is: Everything we can,” Beshear said. “Today, we’re giving everyone that opportunity to help through the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.”
Other efforts are underway to raise money and awareness for relief. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky said it was accepting donations through its Appalachian Crisis Aid fund as it determined the best ways to respond to the flooding.
New Frontier, an Applachian-centric clothing brand located in Morehead, is selling an “Eastern Kentucky Strong” t-shirt with all proceeds going to help victims of the flood. The relief effort is in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.
On Friday, Beshear said at least 15 people have died, including several children. More rain and flooding is expected in the area on Friday.
