August 2022 KY State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program E-Newsletter

Historic Flooding in Eastern Kentucky

During late July 2022 Kentucky saw the worst flooding in our state’s history, bringing with it heavy rain, deadly flash flooding, and devastating and widespread damage, especially to those living in eastern Kentucky and central Appalachia. Eastern Kentucky is made up of hills, steep slopes, and “hollers” that are prone to landslides and leaves valleys vulnerable to flash flooding. When the river started to rise, the creeks along the valleys turned into raging rivers that swept entire homes and parts of communities were swept away by flood waters. In the span of 5 days, 24 Flash Flood Warnings were issued, and a total of 39 people passed away.

Read the entire e-newsletter here.