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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear meets with Pike County officials following flooding
Damage Assessments Begin in Pike County
FRANKFORT, Ky.—Governor Steve Beshear visited areas of Pike County today following weekend storms that caused severe flooding and mudslides. The storms are blamed for two deaths in Pike County.
“I have seen startling and significant damage in Pike County today,” said Gov. Beshear. “My administration, from Emergency Management to the Transportation Cabinet and beyond, is working quickly to get these struggling Kentucky families the help they need.”
Gov. Beshear’s trip included stops at Raccoon Creek and a meeting with local officials at the Pike County Courthouse. Gov. Beshear declared a State of Emergency on Sunday for Pike and Shelby counties and requested Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct preliminary damage assessments. Seven FEMA assessment teams will begin work tomorrow.
“My heart goes out to the hundreds of families impacted by this torrential flooding. I want to assure the people of Pike County that help is on the way and we will utilize every resource to help those paralyzed by this natural disaster,” said Congressman Hal Rogers. “I applaud the Governor for declaring a state of emergency and as necessary, I will be working with officials here in Washington to make sure that things are moving as quickly as possible to bring temporary relief while we begin the rebuilding process. While more challenges lie ahead, I know the resilient people of Pike County and together we will overcome this tragedy and become a stronger community.”
Up to eight inches of rain fell in a short period of time, prompting emergency evacuations and rescues. Pike Co. Emergency Management officials estimate approximately 200 homes were damaged or destroyed by the weekend’s flooding and mudslides.
“It looks more like a tornado has been through here than a flood in some places,” said Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford. “This is the most devastating flood I have ever seen. But we are resilient in these mountains and we will pull through it.”
Approximately 400 residents remain without power in Pike County, down from more than 7,000 Sunday. Approximately 13,500 residents are without water, and another 13,000 are under a boil water advisory. Water distribution points will operate until restoration is complete. One shelter remains open at Pike Central High School, where 25 people stayed Sunday night. The Kentucky Community Crises Response Board (KCCRB) sent a counseling team to the area on Sunday and is expected to have expanded teams in the county beginning today.
Safety Tips
- Kentuckians are encouraged to monitor river and streams crests for their areas and heed warnings or evacuation orders from local officials. Do not drive through or wade through any water, no matter if just a few inches. STOP, TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN!
- Do not attempt to enter flooded structures unless a certified electrician has shut the power off.
- Be aware of toxic or hazardous wastes associated with flood waters. For additional information on health safety tips and flood water clean-up, please visit the Department for Public Health’s website at www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/.
- For statewide road conditions please visit www.511.ky.gov .
- For local information and or shelter locations, please contact your local emergency management office. Follow this link for assistance: http://www.kyem.ky.gov/about/countyemdirectors.htm .
- For river levels and expected crests, visit http://water.weather.gov/ahps/ and click on the area you wish to observe.
- For additional information on this and other Kentucky disasters, please visit www.kyem.ky.gov .
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