The scenes of the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky rolled in on social media late Thursday and the death count rose to 15, with that number expected to increase as rescue efforts continue Friday.
In response, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency and opened an online portal to offer support for flood victims at TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.
“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,” Beshear said. “I cannot give you the why, but I know what we do in response to it. And the answer is: Everything we can. Today, we’re giving everyone that opportunity to help through the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.”
The money will be used to provide long-term relief for folks that have been directly affected by the once-in-a-lifetime flooding. You can also donate to your local Red Cross or United Way. The most immediate needs are for water and cleaning supplies.
Beshear will be touring the devastation this morning. Eastern Kentucky legislators weighed in on yesterday’s damage and what the floods have done to their region.
“This morning, my office has been busy receiving calls from around our district regarding the heavy flooding,” Sen. Brandon Smith (R-Hazard) said. “We will continue to update the state and federal agencies of our needs and will keep you updated as we begin to assess the damage and clean up. I will personally be in the heavily impacted areas today on the ground assessing the damage and helping folks however I can.
“Many roads throughout the region are currently impassable and, according to the National Weather Service, we should expect to see one to three more inches. I’m urging all people in low areas in Perry, Leslie, and Clay counties to seek higher ground.”
As of yesterday, more than 25,000 homes or businesses were without power across the region. Rainfall totals have equaled around eight inches, with more likely heading into the weekend.
“My heart goes out to every family in eastern Kentucky who has been affected by the severe storms and flash flooding,” Sen. Philip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) said. “In addition to seeing the effects first-hand in Pike County, I have followed the damage reports on social media and spoken to several friends from throughout the 31st Senate district, some of whom are homeless and have lost most of their belongings. I am asking for all Kentuckians to keep these folks in their thoughts and prayers.”