State of emergency declared for devastating floods in eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. –  Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency due to severe flooding in eastern Kentucky.

Beshear was at the State Emergency Operations Center about 7 a.m., speaking directly to local officials, emergency management directors, the Kentucky National Guard, cabinet leadership and the CEO of the American Red Cross. The governor said a state of emergency has been issued for Breathitt, Floyd, Clay, Owsley, Letcher and Pike counties.

“We are currently experiencing one of the worst, most devastating flooding events in Kentucky’s history,” said Beshear. “The situation is dynamic and ongoing. In most places we are not seeing receding water – in fact, in most places it has not crested yet. What we are going to see coming out of this is massive property damage and we expect loss of life. Hundreds will lose their homes. And this will be yet another event that will take not months, but years, for our families to rebuild and recover from.”

Around 8:30 a.m., Beshear said the Kentucky National Guard is staging three helicopters, 15-20 trucks, and KSP is supplying an extra helicopter for rescues as needed. The transportation cabinet and division of forestry are also preparing to remove debris, and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is out with boats to work on water rescues.

In addition, three state parks in the regions are being opened for people who have lost their home, including Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park. The governor added these are located in the affected areas and are experiencing challenges, such as loss of electricity, but they will have rooms available.

Overall, Beshear said 23,000 people statewide are without power, and work is being done to return cell phone service. Water may also be lost in many areas due to broken water lines, said the governor. Water has already been affected in Martin and Pike counties, according to a release by the governor’s office.

The governor said a lot of people in eastern Kentucky are waiting on roofs to be rescued, and there are a lot of people unaccounted for. Beshear said that if anyone wishes to donate, water and cleaning supplies will be the most immediate emergency supplies needed at this time.

As of this morning, several faculty members were stranded at a school where no children or students were involved, said Beshear. The state will also be checking on seniors who may be vulnerable.

“To anybody in eastern Kentucky that right now is scared, we care about you, we love you. We’re going to do our very best to get to you as quickly as we can,” said Beshear.

Later today, the governor will be posting a list of shelters that are being established.

If you wish to donate, visit TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov.

To keep yourself safe from flooding, watch for debris and contamination, wear protective clothing if possible, stay away from electrical utility equipment and never drive into a road covered with flowing water.