The number of eastern Kentucky flood-related fatalities has risen.
On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear said the number of fatalities has increased to 43 due to deaths in Letcher and Breathitt counties.
Federal money allocations, other assistance for survivors
The governor said more than $76.5 million in grants have been approved by FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program for 8,050 households. Additionally, over $53.7 million in assistance has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Department for Community Based Services received approval from the federal Food and Nutrition Service to allow flood survivors to purchase hot food with SNAP benefits until November 1.
The 23 counties approved for hot food waivers with SNAP benefits are Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Wolfe, and Whitley.
Displaced residents
The governor said Kentucky State Parks are currently housing 276 people. Since last week, 21 individuals have transitioned out of state parks. Currently, 532 individuals are being housed in 200 travel trailers.
To date, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $10 million from more than 37,000 donors. Beshear highlighted and thanked Four Roses Distillery, which donated over $320,000.
To contribute, click here.
(Drone photo of eastern Kentucky flooding courtesy of Branden Clement of WXChasing.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
