Gov. Andy Beshear shared the difficult news on Monday morning that 30 people in Eastern Kentucky have died after flood waters ripped through the region.
“If things weren’t hard enough on the people of this region, they’re getting rain right now,” Gov. Beshear said, noting that Floyd, Magoffin, Knott and Pike counties remain under a flash flood warning Monday morning. “There is severe storm potential today in all of the impacted areas, and that is just not right. The most risk is on the northernmost point of the impacted areas, but it is very unstable.”
Deaths by county are as follows:
- Breathitt County: 7
- Clay County: 2
- Knott County: 16, including 4 children
- Letcher County: 2
- Perry County: 3
Beshear is sending a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking for the other impacted areas – Floyd, Johnson, Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley and Pike counties – to be eligible for individual disaster assistance.
The Governor said he fully expects more counties to be added as was the process during the December tornadoes.
FEMA has already announced that renters and homeowners of Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties who were affected by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides that began July 26 may apply for individual disaster assistance.
For the approved counties, applications can be filed online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone, or another service, give FEMA the number for that service. To learn more, see the full release.
The Governor said it will be important when applying for assistance to have critical information in hand, including:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number;
- A general list of damage and losses;
- Banking information if you choose direct deposit; and
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or company name.
Survivors with homeowners, renters or flood insurance should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
“FEMA folks are on the way. In these counties, what we’ve asked for, is folks who can go door to door to help our people. Also, a set location where people can come in and access all the services they need in one place.” Gov. Beshear said. “Don’t give up. We want to make sure everyone who can qualify, does qualify.”
Travel trailers are being delivered and connected to utilities for emergency sheltering. Twenty-five travel trailers have been delivered to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Floyd County. And between two areas in Knott County, 25 more are being set up. Information will be forthcoming for those who may be in need of these temporary shelters.
Former Republican House Speaker Jeff Hoover took to Twitter to call for prayers for Beshear, who has dealt with numerous tragedies and natural disasters during his time in office.
