Volunteers have fanned out across eastern Kentucky to help residents displaced this week by severe flooding that swept away homes and vehicles, and killed at least 37 people, the governor said on Wednesday.
Although the number of confirmed deaths has held steady at 37, Governor Andy Beshear said he expected the toll to increase by at least “a couple of people” in the coming days.
After days of torrential rain, a spell of dangerously hot weather has become the latest weather concern.
Despite the conditions, the arduous task of cleaning up and rebuilding was well underway on Wednesday, as waters receded and remote areas became more accessible. Mountains of muddy debris, upended vehicles and homes dislodged from their foundations were common sights.
Lisa Allen and her family drove around Perry County, distributing food and water to flood victims.
“We’re basically just going around and giving food and items that are necessary for these people who’ve been devastated by the losses of their homes and by the flood and everything that’s happened,” said her 17-year-old foster child, Connor Young. “A lot of people need this stuff, and we’re here to deliver it to them because they may not be able to get out of their house and get it themselves or find the places necessary to get the things they need. So it’s just a way for us to support the community by going out and giving stuff.”
