‘Painful, difficult disaster’: Beshear holds briefing on severe weather aftermath following Kentucky floods

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear and Eric Gibson, director of Kentucky Emergency Management, held a news conference Monday morning to give an update on the flooding and severe weather aftermath that has taken the lives of 22 people, up from the 21 previously reported.

During the briefing, Beshear referred to the flooding as a “painful, difficult disaster” and reiterated how this was one of the worst disasters to hit Kentucky in years.

He confirmed that recovery efforts remain in stabilization mode, but Kentucky is still waiting for a response from the federal government regarding federal recovery assistance.

Beshear said that the state will pay for every funeral that’s a direct result of the flooding, citing how families shouldn’t be burdened with funeral expenses while trying to recover and rebuild their lives.

To donate to people affected by the flooding, visit the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund at teamkystormrelieffund.ky.gov. Beshear said the first use of the fund will go to families who have lost loved ones to pay for their funerals so they don’t have to wait to be reimbursed.

Anyone facing immediate needs is asked to fill out the rapid needs form at KYEM.KY.gov or by calling 502-607-6665.