Kentucky

Here’s where victims of flooding in eastern Kentucky can find shelter, meals, other aid

By Jackie Starkey and Aaron Mudd

Updated August 5, 2022 10:36 PM

Flooding in Eastern Kentucky

“Catastrophic” flash flooding hit parts of Eastern Kentucky July 28, 2022.

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With the death toll climbing and significant property damage reported, area organizations along with government agencies have rallied to mobilize aid to Eastern Kentucky.

Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Thursday morning for several counties amid severe flash flooding. President Joe Biden followed suit Friday, issuing a federal disaster declaration for 13 counties. The declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin assessments.

Beshear said Saturday that his office has set up a website where those impacted by the flood can find information about a wide range of resources.

For those who are victims or family members of flood victims, we’ve rounded up some offerings for shelter, resources and more.

Chicken dinner

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken will be providing meals to storm victims, first responders and relief workers in Hazard Wednesday and Thursday, according to a release.

The company is offering bone-in chicken, chicken strips, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw and biscuits from a mobile kitchen beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 3 and Aug. 4.

You can get a meal by visiting Triangle Park Pavilion, 467 S. Main St., Hazard, KY 41701

Meals available

Virginia disaster relief organization Mercy Chefs will serve daily meals in Whitesburg beginning Saturday evening, according to a release.

The July 30 evening meal will be served at Letcher County Central High School at 435 Cougar Drive in Whitesburg.

The following days, the organization will serve lunch and dinner at that location, and a group will be distributing meals to rural locations, the release states.

State parks

In his Thursday morning press conference, Beshear said three state parks would be opened to shelter those who have lost their homes. They are Jenny Wiley, Buckhorn and Pine Mountain.

Jenny Wiley State Park is located at 419 Jenny Wiley Drive, Prestonsburg, KY 41653.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort can be found at 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721.
Those headed to Pine Mountain State Resort Park should go to 1050 State Park Road, Pineville, KY 40977.

A man prepares to launch a boat near flooded Wolverine Road in Breathitt County, Ky., on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Heavy rains have caused flash flooding and mudslides as storms pound parts of central Appalachia. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says it’s some of the worst flooding in state history. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com

City of Hazard

In a thread of tweets, the City of Hazard announced the following locations have opened as shelters for flood victims:

The following places have opened as shelters:

First Presbyterian Church (Hazard)
East Perry Elementary
West Perry Elementary
Gospel Light Baptist Church
Second Creek Church of God
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Lodge#ekyfloods #prayforeky
— City of Hazard (@hazardkygov) July 28, 2022

Floyd County Schools offering free meals to families Friday

Floyd County Schools announced on its Facebook page it would offer meals to families beginning Friday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“If you live in Floyd County and have a child between the ages of 1 to 18, you can pick up meals for your child and your family at the location listed below that is closest to you,” the school district said.

The following schools opened Friday and will be open through the weekend and into next week.

Adams Middle
Allen Elementary
Betsy Layne Elementary
Duff-Allen Central Elementary
May Valley Elementary
Prestonsburg High School
Stumbo Elementary
South Floyd Elementary

Waggin Tails Pet Resort

Waggin Tails Pet Resort, a pet grooming and boarding service in Letcher County, announced on its Facebook page it would be sheltering pets misplaced by the flood.

“We will house and feed them until we can find the owners!,” the business said.

Pet supplies can be dropped off at the business’ location in Whitesburg at 78 Golf Course Lane.

Kentucky Red Cross

In a mid-morning Facebook post Thursday, the Kentucky Red Cross said it was coordinating with officials on the ground in nine counties.

“At this time, the Red Cross is mobilizing resources and people to assist where needed,” the organization stated.

Red Cross shelters are open at:

First Presbyterian Church, 160 Broadway, Hazard, KY 41701
Floyd County Community Center, 7199 KY-80, Langley, KY 41645

If you have been impacted by the recent flash floods, call 1-800-733-2767.

Kentucky State Police

During a follow-up news conference held Thursday afternoon, Beshear stated those struggling to reach and reconnect with their loved ones should not call 911, but rather the area’s Kentucky State Police post.

Beshear said those with missing someone in Breathitt, Knott, Letcher or Perry counties should call 606-435-6069.

Floyd County

According to a post on the Floyd County Fiscal Court’s Facebook, the Floyd County Community Center is open to victims of the flooding seeking shelter.

The community center is located at 7199 KY-80, Langley, KY 41645.

The post shared a number those stranded and in need of rescue can call: 606-886-1010.

This story will be updated.

This story was originally published July 29, 2022 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Here’s where victims of flooding in eastern Kentucky can find shelter, meals, other aid."

Jackie Starkey

Lexington Herald-Leader

Jackie Starkey is the service journalism editor for the Lexington Herald-Leader, Centre Daily Times, Belleville News-Democrat and The Wichita Eagle. She is a graduate of UNC Asheville and worked as a political reporter and managing editor in coastal North Carolina. She is based at the Herald-Leader in Lexington, and has a particular focus on civic engagement and elections.