|
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear visits flooded areas in northeastern Kentucky
Search continues for missing woman in Carter County
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Steve Beshear joined state legislators, local officials and emergency management personnel today to view devastation in Carter County caused by recent flooding. Weather reports indicate as much as six to nine inches of rain fell on parts of northeast Kentucky late Tuesday evening and Wednesday, causing flash flooding, evacuations and water rescues. Preliminary damage assessments are underway in multiple counties affected by severe storms this week.
“This has been a very difficult week for thousands of families across our state,” said Gov. Beshear. “Floods can rise quickly and leave incredible amounts of damage, but I am committed to get folks the help they need to get back to normal as quickly as possible.”
In Carter County, officials continue to search for a missing woman believed to have been swept away when flash flood water swept her mobile home off its foundation near the community of Fultz. Commonwealth K9 teams have been brought in and are assisting in the search.
“It breaks my heart to see the damage that these flash floods have caused,” said Senator Robin Webb (D-18). “However, we are working very hard to make sure that families get the services they need – whether it’s overnight shelter, fresh water or just someone to talk to – to help them get back on their feet. These are the times when communities truly pull together.”
Governor Issues Executive Orders
On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear declared a State of Emergency in Kentucky following severe storms that struck several northeastern Kentucky counties late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Carter, Elliott, Lewis, Mason and Rowan counties have each declared states of emergency; the cities of Olive Hill and Maysville have also declared local states of emergency. Gov. Beshear also signed an executive order yesterday to trigger the price gouging statutes that protect consumers from unscrupulous businesses that attempt to artificially inflate prices as a result of the emergency. These orders followed a State of Emergency Gov. Beshear declared on Sunday following storms that hit Pike and Shelby counties.
The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), located in Frankfort at Boone Center, remains activated at in support of the recent severe storms and flooding to impact Kentucky.
Damage Assessments Continue
Local officials, Kentucky Emergency Management personnel and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Joint Preliminary Assessment Teams conducted damage inspections in Pike County on Tuesday and Wednesday. These damage estimates supported Gov. Beshear’s request on Wednesday for the Presidential major disaster declaration. The request included Individual Assistance, which makes federal assistance programs available for citizens and Public Assistance, which offers assistance to governments and certain non-profit organizations.
How to Get Assistance
If you, or someone you know have unmet needs or need assistance cleaning up, please contact your local County Emergency Management office. A complete list can be found at www.kyem.ky.gov/about/countyemdirectors/.
###
|