Gov. Beshear: Death toll from flooding rises to 30

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear has provided an update on rescue and recovery efforts after the damaging floods in eastern Kentucky.

The governor reported severe weather is continuing in the region as the death toll continues to rise.

“If things weren’t hard enough on the people of this region, they’re getting rain right now,” said Beshear, noting that Floyd, Magoffin, Knott and Pike counties remain under a flash flood warning Monday morning. “There is severe storm potential today in all of the impacted areas, and that is just not right. The most risk is on the northernmost point of the impacted areas, but it is very unstable.”

A release by the governor’s office stated the death toll from the devastating floods has now reached 30. Deaths by county are as follows:

• Breathitt County: 7
• Clay County: 2
• Knott County: 16, including 4 children
• Letcher County: 2
• Perry County: 3

The governor is sending a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency asking for the other impacted areas, including Floyd, Johnson, Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley and Pike counties, to be eligible for individual disaster assistance, stated the release.

The governor’s office stated Beshear fully expects more counties to be added.

FEMA has already announced that renters and homeowners of Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties who were affected by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides that began July 26 may apply for individual disaster assistance, according to the release.

For the approved counties, applications can be filed online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Beshear also said it will be important when applying for assistance to have important information in hand, including:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted;
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
• Your Social Security number;
• A general list of damage and losses;
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit; and
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or company name.

Survivors with homeowners, renters or flood insurance should file a claim as soon as possible. The release stated FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Additionally, keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.

“FEMA folks are on the way. In these counties, what we’ve asked for, is folks who can go door to door to help our people. Also, a set location where people can come in and access all the services they need in one place.” said Beshear. “Don’t give up. We want to make sure everyone who can qualify, does qualify.”

According to Beshear’s office, travel trailers are being delivered and connected to utilities for emergency sheltering, including 25 travel trailers have been delivered to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Floyd County. And between two areas in Knott County, 25 more are being set up. Information will be forthcoming for those who may be in need of these temporary shelters.

Kentucky State Police is continuing to respond and actively search for missing people.

• If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Breathitt, Perry, Knott, Letcher or Leslie counties, contact Post 13 Hazard at 606-435-6069.
• If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Magoffin, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, or Pike counties, contact Post 9 Pikeville at 606-433-7711.
• If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Jackson, Owsley, or Lee counties, contact Post 7 Richmond at 859-623-2404.
• If you wish to report a missing loved one in the counties of Wolfe or Morgan counties, contact Post 8 Morehead at 606-784-4127.
• If you wish to report a missing loved one in Harlan County, contact Post 10 Harlan at 606-573-3131.

Please keep in mind phone lines are extremely busy right now, and may take a while to get through.

Beshear also reported that progress is being made in restoring cellular service to the affected areas.

“Letcher County’s cellular infrastructure is being reported as restored. That is huge,” the Governor said. “And Appalachian Wireless, which serves so much of this region, is reporting that it is completely restored. That is really good news.”

A command staging area has been established at the Hazard Armory for emergency personnel only. The public should not travel to the affected areas until emergency personnel gives the all-clear.

As of 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 1, there have been 12,035 donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, totaling $1,534,308.30. To donate, visit TeamEKYfloodrelieffund.ky.gov.