Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem surveys flood damage in Kentucky

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Loss, pain, heartbreak—those are some of the words used to describe last week’s devastating severe weather that took the lives of several Kentuckians and changed the lives of countless others.

Recovery efforts across the state have been in full swing since the flooding, which was soon followed by snowstorms.

On Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited Kentucky and briefly met with Gov. Andy Beshear after surveying flood damage.

Noem and other government leaders discussed how they would provide short- and long-term support for Kentuckians in need.

February’s devastating floods claimed the lives of at least 23 people and destroyed homes and businesses across several counties in Eastern Kentucky.

Now in the stabilization phase, Beshear said the state is making progress with the help of federal assistance from President Trump and Noem. Individual assistance is now available for Kentuckians in 11 counties.

“It means that they can apply for up to about $42,000 to help get their life back on track,” said Beshear. “I heard it from the acting administrator of FEMA yesterday. A desire by this administration to help our people to rebuild, and I absolutely believe it.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the number of road closures was down to 66, and the team Kentucky storm relief fund has raised more than $400,000. Beshear said he is grateful for the secretary and her efforts to help Kentuckians in need.

“You’re seeing unified support for them,” said Beshear. “Today we stand united. Local, state, and federal officials working together. They are showing up today, and we’re all going to keep showing up for our people.”

Noem saw some of the flood damage firsthand and commended Kentuckians for their resilience.

“There’s events that happen in people’s lives that something changes it forever, and forever now their lives will be well; that was before we lost that loved one, or that was after, or that was before we lost our home, or this was after the flood of 2025,” said Noem. “And that’s what this event was for so many Kentuckians.”

Noem noted that equipping more Kentucky families with flood insurance will be crucial for future floods, but she said that she and the Trump administration will also stand by Kentuckians in need in the long term.

“The ten counties that were impacted and the communities will continue to walk this path towards restoration, but we’ll do what we can to help them and make sure that the resources are there.”

Residents and business owners impacted by the floods in eligible counties can start applying for assistance at disasterassistance.gov.