Kentucky floods: 5 dead as waters recede, recovery starts

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky leaders provided an update Tuesday morning on the ongoing flooding impacts as death tolls rise across the Bluegrass.

“Four days of severe storms have brought devastation to communities across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear during the April 8 press conference. “I want to thank all of our first responders and volunteers, both locally and from out of state, who have dedicated time to help our people. While the threat of severe storms has ended, several rivers and creeks remain at or above flood stage, and roadways remain underwater in several areas. So we need folks to remain cautious.”

During the briefing, Beshear confirmed the death toll related to the floods remains at four:

1. Nelson County woman
2. Franklin County boy
3. McCracken County man
4. Trigg County man

The Bullitt County Coroner said 50-year-old James Dishon Jr., of Bullitt County, was found dead just before noon Tuesday in Lebanon Junction.

Kentucky State Police announced a death investigation Monday evening in Pendleton County possibly tied to floodwaters but provided an update Tuesday afternoon from the coroner’s office that the cause of death was the result of a medical condition and not a drowning.

Beshear applauded the efforts search and rescue teams have done, citing 142 overall rescues and 272 evacuations by boat.

In the briefing, Beshear confirmed that the water in Frankfort was receding, and he hopes that most people in Frankfort will be able to return to their homes tomorrow. He also confirmed that water was fully restored to Frankfort Monday night.

A Maryland task force is heading to western Kentucky to begin relief efforts in areas like Henderson and Owensboro, according to Beshear. This is due to the rising waters in western Kentucky, particularly along the Ohio River.

He also noted that evacuation recommendations may be issued as early as tomorrow in Henderson.

As for recovery efforts statewide, Beshear said that there are currently 868 connections without water entirely and 22 more that are subject to limited operations. He confirmed that roughly 4,000 Kentuckians are also under a boil water advisory. There were also five wastewater systems that were not operational and 29 systems operating in a limited capacity.

Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson confirmed there are resources available to assist Kentuckians. Gibson reiterated Beshear’s note that efforts are beginning to shift to the western part of the state as waters continue to rise.

Gibson reinforced the advice of leaders to avoid dangerous situations and not travel through standing water. He also noted the importance of staying safe by not going around barricades and moving barricades.

“Just because the road used to be there, if the water has inundated that roadway, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe to drive on,” Gibson said.

He said emergency management and FEMA teams are about to begin assessments of communities so that a quick aid declaration can be submitted and approved as quickly as possible.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray implored Kentuckians to continue to make safe choices and “turn around, don’t drown.”

Gray noted that there are currently 457 highways that are closed, with 17 of them closed due to mudslides. He said that anyone interested in real-time updates on road conditions should go to GoKy.ky.gov.

He noted that there are more travel areas damaged from the current flooding situation than Kentucky previously experienced from the February floods.

FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Jeremy Slinker spoke and reinforced FEMA’s commitment to supporting Kentucky and KYEM throughout the recovery process.

Beshear noted how the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was closing in on $1 million after receiving roughly $20,000 on Monday. He confirmed that the first order of business for the funds would be paying for the funerals of those who died in the flooding.

The governor’s office provided the following safety tips in a news release on Tuesday:

• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; two feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn around, don’t drown.
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.

Camille Hantla contributed to this story.