In a statement, Gov. Andy Beshear thanked the administration, saying it will be a "big help for our families and communities as they recover and rebuild."
More than 70 counties issued their own emergency declarations during the flooding. The federal disaster declaration covers ten: Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, and Pike Counties. Monday also saw the official death toll rise with the addition of a Marshall County man who died of hypothermia.
Kentucky emergency management director Eric Gibson said the storms left widespread damage and loss of life in different areas.
"We continue to see that these deaths are scattered across the state. So this widespread flooding event affected Eastern Kentucky in one way and also Western Kentucky, and Southern counties as well," he said.
The federal declaration opens the door for immediate assistance in smaller amounts meant to cover things like cleanup and sanitizing. That will be followed by larger grant awards, some potentially over $40,000, for those seeking relief for bigger losses.
Residents and businesses in the eligible counties can apply for assistance at disasterassistance.gov or by using the FEMA app. Kentuckians are being encouraged to donate at teamkystormrelieffund.ky.gov.