July 28^th Eastern Kentucky was hit with the most horrible flooding our region has ever seen.  As flash flooding hit in the night Perry County was one of the most devasted areas leaving seven residents deceased. There were over eighty bridges that became unusable essentially leaving hundreds of residents stranded. Many of these bridges remain unrepaired even two months later. Thousands of people went without basic needs such as electric, telephone, and water for weeks due to the isolated terrain. With the average rate of poverty being over 15% for the Appalachian region, Perry County falls into an even higher category with a rate of 26%. Many of these impoverished families were now left in complete devastation after the flooding.

The aftermath of the flooding showed the resilience of the citizens of Eastern Kentucky as they rallied to help neighbors and loved ones. As Extension agents we were able to lend a hand in several ways. I had the opportunity to volunteer at East Perry Elementary School and Buckhorn Community center where I we packed food and cleaning supply boxes that included health and safety publications from the University. East Perry also partnered with World Central Kitchen; an organization dedicated to feeding those impacted by disaster all over the world. Perry County residents fall under the free and reduced lunch program so these community meals were essential to families during the first few weeks. Agriculture agents across the area worked together to take in hay, feed, and materials to help farmers with their loss. Master Cattlemen’s Associations from across the state showed up in all affected counties to help feed workers, volunteers, and flood victims. 

While many residents are now able to access state funded temporary housing and campers, during the first few weeks that wasn’t the case. We spent many days traveling along Highway 476 between Knott, Perry, and Breathitt Counties where residents were living in tents. Through donations we were able to supply them with sleeping bags, cots, toiletries, non-perishable items, clothing, and hot meals. 

Listening to their stories and experiences during the flooding was something I will never forget. Mr. Noble, a resident of Perry County, told me of the hours he spent clinging to a tree to keep the waters from washing him away without even clothes on his back. His home was still standing but he had lost everything he owned. He was optimistic about being able to repair it with help from FEMA and Samaritan’s Purse. When I last checked on him, he had completed demolition of the molded interior and was waiting for funds to rebuild. Mr. Noble was just one of the dozens of people along 476 that were living in tents. 

There has been so much progress over the last two months after the initial devastation, however there will long-term recovery that will continue for years to come. As a member of extension, I am happy that we can even be a small part of the community outreach.