Multiple counties recorded as much as 8 inches of rain in a short period, producing rapidly rising water and hazardous conditions. Beshear said the flooding has claimed four lives and “devastated so many communities,” and emphasized the need for federal Public and Individual Assistance to help residents recover.
On Saturday the governor declared a statewide emergency. Local states of emergency have been declared by 18 jurisdictions, including Bullitt, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Grayson, Jackson, Jessamine, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Spencer and Wayne counties and the cities of Albany, Brandenburg, Burkesville, McKee and Muldraugh.
State officials reported more than 63 water rescues and evacuations to date. Mutual aid has been provided by multiple local fire departments, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky State Police Air Support, Georgetown-Scott County Emergency Management and Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue. There are 17 households sheltering in Madison County, where about 320 homes are without water.
Beshear signed an emergency order allowing pharmacies in impacted areas to provide emergency refills, and activated the state’s price-gouging laws to protect consumers. Residents are urged to keep 911 lines open for life-threatening emergencies and to call the State Warning Point at 1-800-255-2587 for non-life-threatening assistance. Road closures remain widespread; motorists are advised to check GoKY for current conditions.
Officials encourage those seeking preparedness information to visit Team KY. Kentuckians wishing to support relief efforts can donate to the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund, which directs contributions to survivors of emergency events in the commonwealth.