Last week’s deadly flooding in eastern Kentucky killed at least 37 people, and hundreds remain unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts were hampered this week by damaged roadways and infrastructure.
A federal disaster declaration has been issued for the eastern Kentucky counties of Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe following the flooding, and 12 emergency shelters are currently operating with a total population of 300, as of Tuesday.
Access to clean water or electricity remains intermittent or nonexistent in some areas, and many roads in the area have been washed-out, with more than 40 bridges reportedly washed out in Jackson County alone.
Direct Relief’s Response
In response, Direct Relief has committed an initial $250,000 to facilitate the rapid deployment of emergency medical supplies and operating funds. The organization is coordinating with the Kentucky Primary Care Association, Kentucky VOAD, the Governor’s office, and several local health centers and free clinics around urgent health needs.
On Wednesday, Direct Relief prepared a requested shipment for Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation in Whitesburg, Kentucky, containing personal care items for displaced people, field medic packs for triage care, insulin, insulin syringes and needles, antibiotics, cardiovascular medications, mental health medications, respiratory medications, IV sets, and more.
Direct Relief is processing additional requests and will continue to respond as the situation develops.
Over the past 12 months, Direct Relief has shipped $1.4 million in medical aid to Kentucky and issued more than $150,000 in funding, including in response to last December’s tornadoes.
