Henderson County assesses damage after ‘historic flooding’

SPOTTSVILLE, Ky. (WEHT) — Recovery is underway in Henderson County after historic flooding caused residents to leave their homes.

Leaders say law enforcement will be increasing patrols in areas where water is going down to prevent looters and suspicious activity as homeowners return to assess damage.

David Chaney lives near the Spottsville Bridge and says he recently returned to his neighborhood, which spent several days underwater.

“It didn’t quite get into my house, which is a lot better, but it ruined my ductwork,” says Chaney. We had to stay somewhere else, but there are a lot more people in worse shape than I am.”

With waters receding, county officials say they are transitioning from a response phase to a recovery phase.

Henderson County Judge Executive Brad Schneider says this is a group effort between local, state, and federal agencies. He says there are some hoops to jump through.

“Kentucky has not had a federal declaration of emergency yet, but we have applied for it,” says Schneider. “We believe that Kentucky by far surpasses all the thresholds, but until that happens, all the resources like FEMA aren’t released yet. We are expecting it any day now.”

In the meantime, Schneider says law enforcement is increasing patrols in high-water areas.

“In Henderson County at this point, we have not had any calls about any thefts or criminal activity,” Schneider said. “Now that the water is going down, people can drive cars back to where they are. We are concerned that might increase.”

Schneider says collection sites open on April 17, where residents can take appliances, drywall, furniture, and other waterlogged debris.

Click here for more information regarding cleanup, donations, volunteering, and security in Henderson County.