Hazard residents say they have ‘no choice’ but to begin rebuilding their community

It isn’t the first time eastern Kentucky has been hit with devastating flooding. For some residents in Perry County, it is their first time living it after nearly four inches of rain caused the North Fork Kentucky River to spill into the city.

“It’s the largest flood we’ve had since 1989 and you know, 30, 31 feet, it really puts a damper on the entire town,” Mayor Donald “Happy” Mobellini said.

The fire department has made over 100 water rescues in Perry County alone.

Residents told FOX 56 they’re shocked by the amount of devastation and for Jonny Duran, it’s even more difficult, having not even lived in Hazard for a year.

“I was very shocked and scared and surprised about what I was seeing and what all my other friends and family were seeing all across town. It was just a shock and something I’ve never experienced before,” he said.

Duran lived in northeast Kentucky most of his life before moving to Hazard and although he remembers the 2022 floods, it’s not something he’s ever seen up close and personal.

“I’ve just kind of been coping, trying to manage my stress and anxiety and trying to make sure that everybody I know is okay, make sure that they don’t need anything, that if they do need things, I can get them connected with resources that they can get,” he said.

While Perry County and most of Kentucky begin the rebuilding process, many are reminding people to have strength.

“As Gov. Beshear said, we are Kentuckians and we are strong; we will get through this together. And as Sheriff Engle said, ‘We’re Perry Countians and we’re a strong bunch,'” Duran affirmed.

“Come back here in three weeks and we’ll have this place cleaned up. That’s the outlook. I mean we have no choice, no place to go but clean,” Mobellini said.