Following a Monday morning meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, Gov. Andy Beshear says the long-term recovery collective is implementing considerable protocol changes — following the catastrophic flooding events of east Kentucky.
First and foremost, Beshear assured that FEMA representatives have been, and will continue, calling everyone who has been denied flood claims in the disaster area. Beshear is urging those called to pick up the phone, because of the 4,006 applicants thus far, only 1,008 have connected.
Secondly, beginning Tuesday and for the first time in FEMA’s history, a texting service will be made available for claimants who are looking for even quicker feedback.
And thirdly, officials in east Kentucky’s disaster recovery centers now have the authority to approve claims, giving the people on the ground an ability they’ve never had.
These are landmark changes within FEMA’s hierarchy, in which on-the-ground assessments and online claims were typically forwarded to other high-ranking officials for audit and approval or denial.
Beshear said these were the kinds of changes that could help streamline and expedite processes for those in need.
As of Monday afternoon, 39 were still reported dead and two others remain missing in Vanessa Baker and Nancy Cundiff.
To date, more than 1,300 rescues have occurred between the Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia National Guard, the Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife and other local organizations and neighbors.
As efforts shift from “emergency” to “stabilization,” more than 300 individuals remain displaced and specifically lodged in regional state parks, including 171 at Jenny Wiley and 134 at Buckhorn.
Looking to move from emergency shelters and state park lodging, more than 700 people have applied and registered for travel trailers through the newly-implemented East Kentucky sheltering program.
From a power perspective, Beshear said the region has 74 power outages remaining — down from the 25,111 reported on July 28. And with more than 40,000 without running water that July 28, Beshear added those outages are down to less than 4,800.
As of this past weekend, more than 900 loads of debris had been removed from roads, cities and bridges, including 173 alone on Sunday.
North of 100 bridges have now been identified for repair and/or replacement.
In the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund, donations have crested more than $6.2 million. Beshear added that 37 of 39 funerals have already been paid for, with state government working to have the two others embraced soon.
Chatter continues to ramp up regarding a called “special session” for the General Assembly in order to address budgetary needs for east Kentucky, and Beshear noted it’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.”
Another option for those wishing to donate includes the East Kentucky Dream Center, which is also calling for money and a long list of supplies in: non-perishable food items, gloves, cleaning supplies, bleach, new pillows, blankets, shovels, rakes, garbage bags, hygiene products, feminine products, underwear, socks, fans and moth balls to push away flies.
They can be found online at www.ekdc.info.
