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BY Gillian Stawiszynski

Contributing Writer

After devastating flash floods last week, the death toll in southeastern Kentucky has risen to over 35 people, with the number expected to increase with many still missing.

Even those who survived have destroyed homes, possessions, and entire communities. People are without power, food, and clean clothes in one of the country’s poorest regions.

Kentuckians are coming together from all over the state to support Appalachian Kentucky. The Jessamine County and Nicholasville Fire Departments shared manpower and supplies to rescue flood survivors.

“We sent teams Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with boats and side by sides [all-terrain utility vehicles],” said Assistant Chief Danny Eades of the Jessamine County Fire District. “Thoughts and prayers from the fire department for everyone in these regions.”

Local fire departments stay committed to rescue missions, but civilians can also help.

Here’s how:

Report the missing

Contact the Kentucky State Police.

Pike, Magoffin, Johnson, Martin and Floyd Counties: 606-433-7171

Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher and Perry Counties: 606-435-6069

Owsley, Jackson and Lee Counties: 859-623-2404

Wolfe and Morgan Counties: 606-784-4127

Harlan County: 606-573-3131

Volunteer

Hazard and Perry County are asking for volunteers in disaster relief efforts until August 14th for now. Volunteer work includes working at a shelter or resource center, cleaning and mucking out houses, and documenting damage for families and businesses. Please note that volunteers must have access to their own transportation and water, as these areas do not have access to these resources for volunteers.

Donate Supplies

The following businesses have highlighted specific supplies, but anything helps. Survivors need non-perishable food, pet supplies, baby supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, menstrual hygiene products, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, bottled water, first-aid supplies, camping supplies, and other underwear clothes and rainboots.

The Olive Branch in Wilmore at 327 E. Main Street is doing a drop-off on Sunday, August 7th.

The Local Confectionary in Wilmore at 325 E. Main Street is doing a drop-off this weekend.

Pivot Brewing at 1400 Delaware Avenue, Lexington is collecting supply donations. Pivot has no deadline for their drive.

Bluegrass Barkery in Lexington at 152 W. Tiverton Way and at 162 Old Todd’s Road #150. The Barkery will be dropping off supplies on Saturday, August 6th.

Sew A Lot in Lexington at 2160 Sir Barton Way Suite 148. The drop-off deadline for Sew A Lot is Friday, August 5th.

Donate Money

Team Eastern Kentucky Flood by Gov. Andy Beshear: https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky: https://appalachianky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1170

AppalShop – https://appalshop.org/news/appalachian-flood-support-resources = has aggregated multiple resources for Flood Survivors, from news feeds with updates, locations you can drop off supplies, to mutual aid funds. Note that the eKY Mutual Aid Flood Relief Fund has met it’s donation goals and is now closed.

GoFundMe has set up a webpage with verified campaigns for survivors. On Social Media, @ekymutualaid is aggregating updates and donation opportunities, and resources in the Eastern Kentucky region for those in need.