Written by Jordan Mickle, digital EP at LEX18
Gov. Andy Beshear says three people have died after severe flooding in Eastern Kentucky, and he expects that number to climb into the double digits.
Officials have confirmed two people have died in Perry County, and one person has died in Knott County.
The governor declared a state of emergency for several southeastern Kentucky counties after severe flooding hit the area overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
At least six counties have declared local states of emergency: Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Letcher, Owsley, and Pike.
“We are currently experiencing one of the worst, most devastating flooding events in Kentucky’s history,” Beshear said.
The governor says in many areas, water has not receded, or even crested, at this point. He says they expect a “loss of life” from the floods and expect hundreds to lose their homes.
“This is going to be yet another event that it’s going to take not months but, likely, years for many families to rebuild and recover from,” said Gov. Beshear.
“Kentucky floods 52 weeks a year, but not like this,” said Gov. Beshear. “Not like this.”
Governor Beshear says there are a lot of people stranded on roofs waiting to be rescued. The power is out in many areas and truckloads of fresh water are on the way.
The Kentucky National Guard is responding with helicopters and trucks that can move through the water.
In Perry County, at least two people are confirmed dead, according to Perry County Sheriff Joe Engle. He says there could be more deaths as crews are out responding to flooded neighborhoods and mobile home communities.
Engle says he’s been sheriff for four years and in law enforcement for 25 years. He calls it “historically unlike anything he has ever seen.” He says most of the agencies are volunteer fire departments. They’re hoping the water will recede so they can rescue people that are still trapped.
In Pike County, rescue efforts are still underway as they wait for the water to clear off roadways. Shelby Valley High School has been set up as a temporary shelter. With flooding spread throughout the southern part of the county, crews are unsure how many residents still need assistance out of their homes and how many have already been rescued. The county is experiencing both water and power loss.
If you know someone in Pike County who needs help, you can contact the Judge Executive’s Office at (606) 432-6247 or the Office of Emergency Management (606) 432-0210.
Clay County’s treasurer says that the damage is pretty much countywide right now, including flooding, downed trees, and power outages. The judge-executive is out with a crew right now but they are down several people who weren’t able to come in because of the damage. They have gotten more than 30 calls Thursday morning from people that are stranded and looking to be rescued.
The Lexington Fire Department says they’ve received a request to send swift water crews to Lost Creek, Kentucky to assist with the flooding in that region. They are sending a team of nine members along with two boats.
Their mission is to rescue up to three people that are trapped in the Riverside Christian school. A tenth member is deploying to the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to assist.
