HAZARD/HINDMAN, KY - On Feb. 26, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear visited with flood-affected Kentuckians in Perry and Knott counties and provided an update on the storm recovery response.

“We’re in Eastern Kentucky today to make sure that we are helping our friends and neighbors recover from this flooding,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are getting the word out to the folks in need on how to apply for assistance and making sure they know we’re going to be there for them every step of the way as they recover.”

The Governor and his senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Registration Intake Centers in Hazard and Hindman. Last week, Gov. Beshear visited Pike County to survey the flood damage. Later this afternoon, the Governor will host Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Frankfort after she views flooded areas.

Earlier this week, the Governor announced that President Donald Trump approved his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes public assistance for local governments and individual assistance for Kentuckians in 11 counties affected by the most recent storms.

Those counties are Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike. Additional designations and counties may be added at a later date if warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA: While the current counties eligible for FEMA aid stands at 11, additional designations and counties may be added if warranted by the results of further damage assessments. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service – such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service – can give FEMA the number for that service. Read more.

Additional Federal Assistance: On Feb. 25, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Disaster Loans for 22 Kentucky counties, including Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike, and for economic injury in the contiguous counties of Bell, Estill, Floyd, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Leslie, Magoffin, Powell and Wolfe. Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations.

Fatalities: The Governor reported the death toll tied to the severe weather stands at 23 Kentuckians.

How To Help: The Governor launched the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. To donate, click here. As of this morning, the fund has raised $413,294 from 3,320 generous donors. These dollars will first help pay for each victim’s funeral.

Gov. Beshear is also encouraging Kentuckians to donate blood. Kentuckians can find blood drives near them here. On Monday, he and the First Lady joined state employees and Frankfort residents to donate blood in the State Capitol Rotunda.

Transportation Update: State highway closures have decreased to 66, which includes 11 from mudslides and rockslides. High water is still affecting travel, primarily in Western and Southern Kentucky. Preliminary estimates indicate more than 200 state highways have been damaged, many of them reduced to one lane, especially in southeastern counties. Engineering teams continue to respond and assess damage, committed to restoring roads to full service as quickly as possible.

Closures and traffic conditions are available online at GoKY.ky.gov. Motorists are cautioned to never drive through high water, not to pass road closed signs and to heed all warning signs and temporary traffic signals.

Drinking Water: As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, all water systems were online, though 13 systems were under limited operations.

Wastewater: As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, all wastewater systems were operational, with 14 systems under limited operation.

Housing Can’t Wait: Flood survivors are encouraged to go to HousingCantWait.org to fill out an interest form for help with housing.

State Funds: Gov. Beshear said his administration is already working with the state legislature to set up a pool of funding to help with long-term recovery efforts similar to the West Kentucky and East Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies, or SAFE, funds.

Kentucky State Parks: Kentucky State Parks are sheltering 284 people at six state resort parks, occupying 100 rooms.

• Buckhorn Lake: 52 adults, 23 children
• Cumberland Falls: eight adults, three children
• Jenny Wiley: 113 adults, 43 children
• Lake Barkley: nine adults, two children
• Natural Bridge: 20 adults, 10 children
• Pine Mountain: one adult

The Governor said more rooms are open and available if needed.

Emergency Shelters: Click here and navigate to the “Emergency Shelters” tab for an up-to-date list of shelter locations.

At the end of last week, the Governor said the state was moving from the search-and-rescue phase to the stabilization phase.

The Governor continues to thank first responders, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet workers, as well as local police, fire and emergency managers, FEMA, other states, volunteers, donors and so many more who have helped respond.

On Feb. 14, ahead of the heavy rains, the Governor declared a state of emergency. On Feb. 15, Gov. Beshear requested, and the next day President Donald Trump granted, an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

For preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.