The death toll from four days of flooding and mudslides in eastern Kentucky is nearing 40, Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday night.
In the governor’s latest update, he said the confirmed death toll has reached 37. He added that refrigerator trucks are serving as mobile morgues as bodies await transport to the state Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort.
The number of missing, officials said, numbers in the hundreds. Many locations are difficult if not impossible for search crews to reach, as over 50 bridges have been either destroyed or severely damaged and countless roads have been washed away by floodwaters.
Cell phone service remains spotty, as well.
At the peak of outages, over 24,000 customers were without power but that number has dropped to just over 12,000. Thousands of residents remain without water.
Nearly 450 people are being sheltered in state parks (Jenny Wiley State Park is full), churches, community centers, and schools. An initial supply of travel trailers arrived over the weekend, which should ease crowding at the 14 emergency shelters.
Flags ordered to half-staff
Beshear announced Monday that he is ordering flags at all state buildings to fly at half-staff for one week (ending August 8) in honor of the victims of the floods.
“I encourage businesses, individuals and organizations throughout Kentucky to do the same,” the governor said. “Let’s make sure we’re recognizing the loss our people have been through.”
He said he would also light the Capitol Dome and Governor’s Mansion in green.
“Green is the color of compassion, and just like we did during COVID, we’re showing compassion for those lost during this devastating flood,” Beshear said.
How to help
Here’s how to help, from WKYT.com:
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund: Beshear established this fund to help those impacted by flooding. All proceeds will go to flood victims. All donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating.
New Frontier Outfitters: The clothing brand, which is based in Morehead, is partnering with Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to raise money. The “Eastern Kentucky Strong” shirts are available now on their website for $20.
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund: The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has created a crisis fund for flood victims.
Kentucky American Red Cross: The nonprofit organization is taking donations for eastern Kentucky’s recovery.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation Flood Relief Fund: ARH is taking monetary donations online.
Aspire Appalachia: You can donate via PayPal at paypal@aspireappalachia.org. Be sure to indicate your donation is for July 2022 flood relief.
(Photo: Crews search for survivors in Lost Creek in Breathitt County, courtesy of NPR)
By Ken Howlett,News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
