The Salvation Army responds to “historic” flooding in Kentucky

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Salvation Army says after heavy rainfall caused historic flooding across Kentucky and Tennessee over the weekend, it is mobilizing to assist impacted communities.

Officials say some areas received more than 8 inches of rain in just 24 hours, leading to widespread flooding, power outages and water shortages. Hardest hit were communities in eastern Kentucky, where the mayors of Hazard and Pikeville have described this as the worst flooding their towns have experienced in more than 40 years. The Salvation Army says Major Brooks Gilliam, who served as Incident Commander in the Hurricane Helene response, will also lead this operation.

The Salvation Army says it is deploying an Incident Management Team (IMT) to Hazard, KY, on February 18, to assess conditions and provide relief to those affected. The Salvation Army’s response typically includes hot meals, beverages, cleanup kits, personal hygiene kits and other “essential services.”

“Our teams are always ready to serve in times of disaster,” said Bo Sells, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Director for Kentucky and Tennessee. “Many of these same communities were devastated by the August 2022 floods, and once again, we are stepping in to help them recover. Whether it’s providing a hot meal, a bottle of water or a listening ear, we will be there for our neighbors in need.”

The Salvation Army has launched a fundraising effort to support relief efforts for this disaster. Those wishing to donate can do so through the following channels:

• Online
• Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2169)
• Mail: The Salvation Army, PO Box 436437, Louisville, KY 40253 (Memo: Kentucky-Tennessee Floods February 2025)
• Venmo: @SalvationArmyUSA (Note: Kentucky-Tennessee Floods February 2025)
• Corporate Gifts: disasterdonations@uss.salvationarmy.org or tyra.gore@uss.salvationarmy.org
• Stocks and Securities: Contact Chris Head at chris.head@uss.salvationarmy.org

Officials with the organization say as freezing temperatures and additional snowfall threaten already struggling communities, The Salvation Army asks for prayers and support for those affected, as well as for the disaster response teams deploying to assist.