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Environment

Homes, Businesses Damaged By Eastern Kentucky Floods

Oakley Fugate / Appalshop
The North Fork of the Kentucky River out of its banks in Whitesburg, KY.

Floodwaters in eastern Kentucky have begun receding in some counties, but many roadways remain under water. Local officials say the flooding is reaching record levels.

The damage from flooding is widespread. But a dam that was under pressure from flood waters in Breathitt County has been stabilized. That’s according to the county’s Emergency Management Director Chris Friley, who said this flood surpasses the last big one, which hit in 1984.

“Everything was underwater. Their homes, cars..driveways are probably washed out,” Friley said.

Owsley County Judge/Executive Cale Turner said flooded roads have left some stranded in their houses.

“We’re hoping to get those individuals, that cannont get out to travel, we’re hoping to get all those to where they can get out by the time we stop working today,” Turner said.

Water and mudslides have damaged several homes and businesses.

The flooding has also postponed damage assessment from a massive winter storm three weeks ago that impacted much of eastern Kentucky.

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