KY has requested a disaster declaration for deadly tornadoes. When might it be approved?
Gov. Andy Beshear submitted an expedited major disaster declaration to President Donald Trump Tuesday after deadly tornadoes ravaged Southern Kentucky, leaving 19 people dead.
The declaration asked for Federal Emergency Management Agency individual assistance for Caldwell, Christian, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Todd, Trigg and Union counties.
Beshear also requested public assistance, which goes to governments rather than specific people, in 16 additional counties affected by the storm.
The declaration included a request for hazard mitigation for the entire state. Beshear said the letter was an initial request, and more counties will likely be added to the declaration after more damage assessments.
It’s not clear how long it might take federal officials to respond to Beshear’s request. Trump approved Beshear’s request for assistance from April’s devastating flood about two weeks after Beshear submitted the major disaster declaration.
More counties were later added to the declaration.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance and Households Program provides finances and services for eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster. Financial assistance can include funds for temporary housing, home repair or replacement, and other uninsured or under-insured expenses.
FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides grants to governments for recovery efforts from major disasters or emergencies. Certain types of private non-profit organizations are also eligible for public assistance.
Hazard Mitigation Assistance provides funds for long-term preparations for future disasters.
Beshear encouraged survivors to document all damage from the storm. Beshear said documentation is how the state makes the best case for federal assistance.
More than 1,500 homes have been destroyed or majorly damaged from the storm, according to Beshear’s request. More than 5,000 homes likely had some kind of damage.
And in addition to the potentially staggering direct costs of the tornadoes — estimated at $59 million just to clean up debris — there will be damage to the economy as well, Beshear said.
If Trump signs the declaration, it would open up FEMA financial assistance for individuals, government agencies and non-profits in the requested counties.
The storms happened late Friday night, early Saturday morning and featured destructive tornadoes. Laurel and Pulaski counties suffered the most damage, as Laurel County was hit by an EF-4 tornado, with winds of about 170 mph.
This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 11:42 AM.
