Gov. Andy Beshear says the state will soon send the request for federal aid due to the latest round of flooding, which has led more than 70 counties to issue local disaster declarations. He also reported a sixth person has died in the flood waters.
The latest flood death was announced during a Thursday press conference.
“This morning, we were able to confirm the death of a 66-year-old Carroll County man,” Beshear said “This is another reminder that it is still dangerous out there. Do not drive through water. Do not drive around barricades. Do not think that you can drive around where the mudslides or the landslides are. Please be careful.”
He also had some advice for those who are beginning the cleanup process around their property. “Make sure you don’t overexert yourself. Take breaks, make sure that you have the type of protective equipment, recognize that mold can spread very quickly.”
Beshear expressed his appreciation for the swift water boat teams that have come from out of state and are being shifted from central Kentucky, where rivers have already crested and are receding, to the west, where the floodwaters are still rising.
“A big thanks to Georgia Task Force Six, who have 25 personnel with us. Vermont Task Force One with its personnel, the first ones who arrived. Maryland Task Force One with 45 personnel, North Carolina Task Force Eight with 22 personnel. Virginia Task Force One with 45. And to all the other first responders who have been working so hard, thank you very much.”
He noted they will submit their application for individual assistance to President Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security on Friday. “We are likely to start with 10-12 counties. The reason for that is we want to make our best case to get that first round in, then we will add counties after that. We’ve been through enough of these, and we know that is the fastest, most effective and most efficient process to do it.”
The governor said he met with FEMA officials who are currently in the state on Wednesday. “They are already making preparations, provided the President signs off on it, on where disaster recovery centers will be located. They recognize this is going to be a massive operation for FEMA, given how many counties have been hit, and are putting in a lot of planning.”
(Photo: A Louisville neighborhood under water, courtesy of Kentucky Today via the Louisville Metro Police Dept.)
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
