Beshear: Heat wave moving into Eastern Kentucky as count of flooding victims rises
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Efforts to find people missing in the aftermath of the Eastern Kentucky floods are continuing this week, Gov. Andy Beshear said Tuesday, as temperatures rise in the region.
A total of 37 people are currently confirmed to have been killed, Beshear said in a morning press conference, and that number is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
One person was rescued Monday, Beshear said, after hundreds were rescued late last week and over the weekend. Kentucky State Police officials are still looking for people reported missing, Beshear said, with those crews going through the path of the water to attempt to locate people who still haven't been found.
"One rescue yesterday, at least. That's good news," the governor said Tuesday morning. "... We're going to have some bad news probably to report later today."
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The governor also gave a list of multiple resources available for people affected by the flood, including a list of cooling centers that will be placed through counties were heat is expected in the coming days. High temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s are expected in the region through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.
"It's going to get really, really hot, and that is now our new weather challenge," Beshear said. "Areas that are devastated, that were still getting power to some places, are going to be dangerously hot."
Cell phone service has been restored to the majority of areas that were hit by flooding, Beshear said, with AT&T planning to put up devices in Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park to provide cell phone service, internet and wi-fi to those in need.
Beshear offered several other updates as well:
Cooling centers across Kentucky
In an attempt to keep people who have been impacted by flooding safe, Beshear said a number of cooling stations are now open throughout the region for those seeking relief from higher temperatures:
Breathitt County: Breathitt Library - 1024 College Ave., Jackson
Floyd County: Floyd Community Center - 7199 KY-80, Langley
Johnson County: City of Paintsville Recreation Center - 232 Preston St., Paintsville
Knott County: Knott Sportsplex - 450 Kenny Champion Loop, Leburn
Letcher County: Letcher County Central High School - 435 Cougar Drive, Whitesburg
Perry County: Perry County Community Center - 453 Perry Park, Hazard
Pike County: Valley Elementary - 162 Douglas Parkway, Pikeville
Wolfe County: Senior Center - 76 Marion St., Campton
New shelter in Perry County and travel trailers
The Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, at 4441 KY-1833, is now open for those seeking shelter, according to Beshear, with 27 rooms and three cottages currently available.
He also said crews are setting up travel trailers in different parks. He said there are currently 25 travel trailers in Jenny Wiley State Resort Park but only two are operational at the moment. They have 17 travel trailers at the Knott County Sportsplex, he said, although they are still getting them ready to be occupied, and four at Carr Creek in Knott County.
Beshear said there are five rooms available in Pine Mountain State Resort Park, at 1050 State Park Rd.
Related:Eastern Kentucky flooding: As death toll reaches 37 victims, here are the names we know
FEMA individual assistance
Beshear gave the addresses of the FEMA mobile registration set up in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher, and Perry counties. Those in need can apply for federal assistance between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Breathitt County: 421 Jett Drive, Jackson
Clay County: Clay Community Center - 311 Highway 638, Manchester
Knott County: Knott County Sportsplex - 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn
Letcher County: Letcher County Recreation Center - 1505 Jenkins Road, Whitesburg
Perry County: Hazard Community and Technical College - 1 Community College Drive, Hazard
People can also request a refund for materials purchased to repair damages to their home, Beshear said, noting applicants will be required to provide receipts.
Related opinion:It’s time to break the cycle of flooding and poverty: Opinion
Closed roads
Beshear said four roads in Perry County are still closed, but there are other paths to take. The only one currently without a detour is Route 1146, but the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which is working in making roads accessible, will make a temporary bridge until a permanent repair can be made.
He said 75% of bridges have been inspected in the different counties affected in Eastern Kentucky. But 20 bridges still remain closed: four in Floyd, Pike and Perry counties, and 16 in Owsley, Knott and Letcher.
Licenses and other important documents
Beshear said the state will waive fees of replacing driver's licenses, ID cards, permits, motor vehicle registration and titles for residents for people in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Perry, Letcher, Knott, Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Pike and Wolfe counties.
Related:Kentucky flooding: Gov. Andy Beshear wonders 'why we keep getting hit.' 4 experts explain
Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky flooding: Heat wave expected as KY opens more resources
