Beshear’s request for federal disaster declaration approved in 13 counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear said President Joe Biden has approved his initial request for federal aid to assist with recovery efforts in 13 eastern Kentucky counties devastated by historic flooding.

Federal funding is available to the commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in the counties of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike and Wolfe, according to a release by Beshear. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in Kentucky.

“We thank President Biden and the federal government for being responsive in the commonwealth’s time of need. We asked for this last night; it came this morning – one of the fastest disaster declarations we’ve seen, and we are grateful for it,” said Beshear. “To all the families that know you’ve already sustained a loss, we’re going to grieve with you, we’re going to support you and we’re going to be here for you, not just today, but tomorrow and in the weeks and years to come.”

During Friday morning’s media briefing, Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, named Brett H. Howard as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations, according to the release.

“On behalf of the president, we are here to support you now, and we will also be here to assist you as you go through your recovery, as long as you need us,” Criswell said.

In addition, Friday morning’s media briefing included the following:

• 16 Kentuckians in four counties have been confirmed dead and that number is growing.
• One person, an 81-year-old woman, has died in Perry County.
• 11 people have died in Knott County, including a 63-year-old man, a 65-year-old woman and two children.
• Two people have died in Letcher County, including a 79-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman.
• Two people have died in Clay County, including a 76-year-old woman.

The emergency is ongoing. In some areas, water will not crest until tomorrow, according to Beshear’s office.

Missing Persons

In addition, Kentucky State Police provided instructions for how to report missing loved ones for each county.

• Only dial 911 if you have an emergency.
• Click here to find the correct number to call to report missing persons in your area.

Donations

If you would like to donate, visit Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund. The funds will be used to provide long-term relief to individuals directly impacted by this historic flooding in eastern Kentucky, helping with food, shelter and other necessities and supplementing emergency funds in the area. Another helpful donation can include water and cleaning supplies, which are the two most immediate resources needed at the moment.

Shelters

• Currently, there are 10 shelters available with 337 people occupying them, according to the release.
• The governor’s office stated Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is still experiencing power outages and road obstruction, and it will serve as a shelter once it is functional.
• Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is temporarily housing 128 people with campgrounds still available.
• Pine Mountain State Resort Park has four rooms available for temporary stays, according to the release.
• Finally, a Red Cross shelter is open at Floyd County Community Center at 7199 KY-80, Langley, Kentucky 41645.

If you have been affected by the flash floods, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

Rescues

The governor’s office stated the Kentucky National Guard has rescued 119 people by aircraft, KSP has rescued eight by aircraft and KSP has two helicopters operating today. Additionally, Beshear’s office stated the Kentucky Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron, along with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, rescued 64 individuals.

Outages

As of this morning, around 23,000 power outages have been reported, according to the release. Call Kentucky Power at 800-572-1113 to report hazards, such as downed power lines.

The Fleming-Neon and Jackson water systems were not working as of 9:30 a.m. Friday morning, and 21 other water systems have limited operations due to flooding and power outages, stated the release.

Around 135 customers have been isolated with discontinued service due to severe flooding in Hindman, located in Knott County.

Kentucky Frontier Gas Jackson reported this morning Frontier Gas had to shut off systems due to flooding of regulator stations under 10 feet of water, issues with low pressure system and mains on dam, according to the release.

If you find yourself facing a flood, turn off electrical power to each appliance and leave it off. If the natural gas is shut off at the meter, call your gas provider to turn it back on. If water levels were high enough to cover the gas meter, call your gas provider to check your meter and regulator before using your gas appliances. Floodwaters may have shifted your home or caused other stresses, possibly resulting in a natural gas leak.

In addition, Beshear’s office provided the following Panbowl Lake evacuations contacts:

• Kentucky River Medical Center
  540 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
  17 Patients
  606-666-6000
  Public Health sending MAB – Mobile Ambulance Bus to evacuate all patients.
• Nim Henson Geriatric Center
  420 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
  100+ Patients
  606-666-2456
  Public Health sending MAB – Mobile Ambulance Bus to evacuate all patients

At least 14 counties and three cities have declared local states of emergency, including Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Letcher, Owsley, Pike, Lee, Perry, Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Johnson, Knott and Wolfe counties; and the cities of Beattyville, Paintsville and Salyersville.

“If you’re able to hear us in eastern Kentucky, we love you, and we’re going to make it. We’ve been through so much these last few years. We’re going to stand next to you, now and in the years to come. We’ll get through this together,” said Beshear.