Eastern Kentucky Disaster Recovery & Rebuild

Between July 25 and July 30, 2022, severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, deadly flash flooding, and devastating river flooding to eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia. 

These thunderstorms caused rainfall rates in excess of 4 inches per hour that led to widespread devastating impacts. While it did not rain continuously, the overwhelming amounts of rain and subsequent flooding led to 44 deaths and widespread catastrophic damage.

Entire homes and parts of some communities were swept away by floodwaters, leading to costly damage to infrastructure in the region. More than 600 helicopter rescues and countless swift water rescues by boat were needed to evacuate people who were trapped by the quickly rising flood waters. The most significant flooding occurred—and the most devastating impacts were felt—between the evening of July 27 and the mid-morning hours on July 28.

Entire homes and parts of some communities were swept away by floodwaters, leading to costly damage to infrastructure in the region. More than 600 helicopter rescues and countless swift water rescues by boat were needed to evacuate people who were trapped by the quickly rising flood waters. The most significant flooding occurred—and the most devastating impacts were felt—between the evening of July 27 and the mid-morning hours on July 28.

The highest rain totals occurred from Clay and Owsley counties, east through Breathitt and Leslie counties, into Perry, Knott ,and Letcher counties. Southern Knott

County, where 14 inches fell between July 25 and July 29, received the highest total rainfall report.

This much rain occurring in such a brief period of time is incredibly rare: there is less than a 1 in 1,000 chance for this much rainfall over five days in a given year.

Residents continue to pick up the pieces, but  many are doing it without insurance.

Hundreds of people have sought shelter at state parks and campgrounds after they were opened for anyone needing a place to stay after losing everything in the flooding. There are currently more than 600 people in emergency shelters and state parks. It is estimated that twice as many people impacted by the floods are staying with friends or family.

The devastation is enormous, and every level of support is be needed to recover from this disaster. 

Please reach out to ASP for any media inquiries by emailing us at DisasterRecovery@asphome.org or calling us at (423) 854-4427.