Beshear warns of dangerous heat as Kentucky recovers from deadly floods
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear on Sunday warned Kentuckians of dangerously high temperatures while continuing response efforts to this weekend's devastating flooding that claimed four lives across the state.
With heat indexes expected to exceed 100 degrees in some areas, Beshear shared a map of cooling center locations and resources for flood survivors. The governor declared a state of emergency Saturday after storms dumped up to 8 inches of rain in parts of the state, prompting more than 60 rescues and evacuations.
The flooding deaths occurred in Madison and Jackson counties. Beshear said the flooding "has devastated so many communities across our state and taken the lives of four children of God, gone too soon."
More than 63 water rescues and evacuations have been conducted, with 17 households sheltering in Madison County and about 320 homes without water. Eighteen local governments have declared emergencies, and the number of cities and counties that have declared a local state of emergency is now at 26.
Beshear cautioned residents to be careful while cleaning up debris in the dangerous heat and encouraged boaters to use extreme caution, noting that lakes like Dale Hollow are covered in debris. Kentucky Emergency Management teams are surveying damage as the governor and his administration plan to request federal assistance.
Those impacted by flooding are encouraged to complete the Kentucky Emergency Management Disaster Needs Survey by calling 502-607-6665 to access available resources. For non-life-threatening emergencies, residents should use the State Warning Point line at 1-800-255-2587, as the governor is urging Kentuckians to keep 911 lines open for emergency situations only.
Governor Beshear has established the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the flooding. The governor also signed an emergency order allowing pharmacies in impacted areas to issue emergency refills and implemented the state's price gouging laws under the emergency declaration.