Eastern Kentucky flooding cleanup will take time. Hoosiers can help.

Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

In Eastern Kentucky, trees cover the Appalachian hills that roll higher than the clouds. Small towns sit nestled between streams and creeks at its base. Abandoned mines are scattered throughout the region. It's coal country, a true hidden gem.

Its beauty is now muted by the beige remnants left from flood waters that had mostly receded by the time I arrived.

What remained was hard to witness.

In one night, residents lost everything they owned. More than three dozen lost their lives.

There's mud and muck as thick as you can imagine. Buildings and bridges are gone or sit demolished. Vehicles have been tossed around like toy figurines. Power and running water were scarce, if not nonexistent in some areas. Some roads are still wet and torn half apart, some impassable.

As I worked to document cleanup efforts last week, residents were often more concerned about my comfort than their own misfortune. People here have never met a stranger. Their kids say sir or ma'am to their elders. It's the definition of close-knit.

Behind the sweat and tears was an appreciation for the support residents say they've overwhelmingly received.mI met volunteers from at least six states, most of whom said they're using their vacation and sick time to help.

Phil Hensley tells Mayor Susan Polis to go get some rest Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, outside a former business in Neon, Kentucky. Hensley, a former city manager from Pennington Gap, Virginia, has been assisting Polis with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) steps. "He's been with me since Saturday," she said. "If I didn't have him..." Polis began to tear up as she spoke of his help and giving heart. Polis has called the area home for 65 years. Her father also served as the town's Mayor.

Eastern Kentucky will need continuing support as recovery will take months if not years.

The state has set up the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to accept donations, with 100% of contributions going to those impacted by the flooding. Donations for the fund can also be mailed. Please make checks payable to Kentucky State Treasurer, put "Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund" in the memo line and mail them to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.

Contact IndyStar photojournalist Mykal McEldowney at 317-790-6991 or mykal.mceldowney@indystar.com. Follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Eastern Kentucky flooding cleanup will take time. Hoosiers can help.