The death toll from the most recent flooding has risen to at least three. Kentucky State Police report the body of a 27-year-old man from McCracken County who was reported missing has been recovered. A child was killed in Franklin County on Friday and a woman from Nelson County died over the weekend.
While there have been some deaths, Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said getting the word out early saved lives.
“People had a chance to be warned that it was a good idea to identify a place to go, to get some things out of the way, to make a plan. All of the things we messaged five days in advance, I think has lead to a more successful operation this time.”
Gibson said getting the word out early made a difference.
“There's plenty of destruction, there's plenty of homes inundated, there's plenty of damage from this storm. However, you see the fatalities are a little lower, and that is something to celebrate. The fact that people have listened to that, and have taken heed to those warnings, I think that the messaging and the team that provides that messaging through our communications team and the media outlets has been successful.”
Gibson said state and local crews are still working to help people get out of flooded homes.
Rescue teams from at least five other states have come to Kentucky to offer aid.
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