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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Declares a State of Emergency in Six Southeastern Kentucky Counties
FRANKFORT, KY.– Governor Steve Beshear today declared a State of Emergency in six southeastern Kentucky counties due to a recent strong storm that included heavy rain, flash flooding, hail and high winds.
The declaration covers Bell, Breathitt, Knott, Knox, Lee and Perry counties and was issued after state and local officials reported that the damaging storm caused the loss of life, the loss and damage of property and caused significant impact to infrastructure in these counties.
“Today I have issued this declaration in order to make sure our citizens and local officials have all the help they need to respond to this damaging storm,” said Gov. Beshear. “This declaration opens up the pipelines and the purse strings to enable us to get resources to where they are needed, as quickly as possible. In addition, all of state government has been mobilized to assist Kentuckians in need.”
Gov. Beshear surveyed the flooded areas today, stopping at the Middlesboro Community Center to meet with citizens, volunteers, rescue workers and local officials, including Mayor Bill Kelley and Rep. Rick Nelson. In addition, he spoke with representatives from the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the mining company who all played key roles yesterday in freeing three miners who were trapped in a Middlesboro mine by flooding for almost 14 hours.
“We are very thankful that the miners were rescued and safely returned to their families and loved ones,” Gov. Beshear said. “Many courageous individuals are responsible and deserve our gratitude for the successful rescue operation at the Bell County mine.”
In declaring this state of emergency, Gov. Beshear has authorized the Division of Emergency Management to execute its relief plan from the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center. The plan includes coordinating the response and relief activities of all state agencies and private relief organizations in response to the storm damage.
In addition, the declaration authorizes the mobilization of National Guard personnel and equipment. Several members of the Kentucky National Guard are on the ground assisting counties in clearing debris from public roads caused by the flash flooding.
Numerous state agencies have been working with Emergency Management officials to report road closings and other damage in southeastern Kentucky.
The Transportation Cabinet will provide equipment such as pumps, dump trucks and sandbagging machines to counties who have requested them. Crews are also patrolling flood-prone areas and are ready to respond to additional flooding. They will also respond to calls about flooded roads that come from law enforcement or the public at large.
For road closures and conditions, please visit www.511.ky.gov, or call 511.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and local health departments in the flooded areas are prepared to provide support to response efforts as needed. DPH also reminds Kentuckians that contact with flood waters should be avoided whenever possible as they may contain contaminants that could pose health hazards.
Homeowners whose homes sustained water damage are also urged to follow safety recommendations to limit mold damage and ensure proper food handling and storage. More detailed health and safety guidelines can be found at the Health Alerts website: http://healthalerts.ky.gov/.
A copy of the declaration can be viewed here: http://apps.sos.ky.gov/Executive/Journal/execjournalimages/2011-MISC-2011-0474-217606.pdf
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