Beshear declares state of emergency as heavy rains pound parts of eastern Kentucky

WUKY | By Karyn Czar

Published July 28, 2022 at 10:53 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2021, file photo, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks about the increases in COVID-19 cases in the state and the opening day of the Kentucky state Legislature special session in Frankfort, Ky. On Monday, July 11, 2022, a Kentucky judge struck down a measure that would have weakened Democratic Gov. Beshear's appointment authority over a key ethics commission, by shifting power to Republican officials to select a majority of the members. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

Heavy rains have caused flash flooding and mudslides as storms pound parts of central Appalachia. Water rescues continued overnight and into Thursday morning. In eastern Kentucky's hard-hit Perry County, the emergency management director calls it a “catastrophic” event. EMS director Jerry Stacy says it's the worst flooding he's seen. The city of Hazard, Kentucky is urging people to “pray for a break in the rain.”

Read the full state of emergency declaration.

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Kentucky State of Emergency

Karyn Czar

Karyn Czar has been a journalist with WUKY since 2013 and is currently the Assistant News Director. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and brings more than 30 years of broadcast experience to NPR. Karyn's work has been recognized with numerous Associated Press, Kentucky Broadcaster Association, Public Media Journalist, and Edward R. Murrow awards throughout her career.

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