While the situation in eastern Kentucky remains quite dire, Governor Andy Beshear said that, as of Thursday afternoon, the flood’s death toll remains at 37.
One of three missing persons has been located by Kentucky State Police Post 13, but two remain not located.
The news comes following multiple days of water rescues coordinated by the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police and other reporting and assisting agencies to a number of counties — including those most devastated in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Owsley, Perry and Pike.
Already, more than 24,000 donations totaling north of $3.4 million have been banked in the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, and Beshear said those first payments have been delivered to some families that didn’t have to ask.
Beshear noted that those interested in donating should send cleaning supplies, clean water, gift cards and money — but new clothes are filling up distribution centers too quickly, and these families don’t have anywhere to store an entirely replaced wardrobe.
Drinking water connections and wastewater systems are improving, Beshear said, as are electrical connections. But all three services are going to need considerable repairs in the coming months.
What Beshear brought most to attention Thursday, however, are the ongoing efforts from the Kentucky National Guard.
More than 1,400 water rescues have been conducted since flooding began late last week. More than 380 guard members are on the ground, and more than 11,500 cases of water, 115 pallets of food and 330 meals have been distributed in relieft.
More rough weather is on the way for east Kentucky. Temperatures have been in triple digits during the middle of the week, and slow-moving thunderstorms are expected late Thursday night and Friday — with damaging wind gusts possible.
Of those displaced, 76 are in activated shelters and 293 are being lodged in state parks. More than 60 travel trailers have been delivered to those state parks, and the American Red Cross has counted 143 individuals in eight shelters across six counties.
Roughly 3,000 power outages remain in the area.
