PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) _ Churches and charities have stepped in to assist Kentucky residents waiting on federal assistance after major flooding earlier this month.
The mud is mostly cleaned up and water service is back on in most places, but residents in several eastern Kentucky counties are waiting for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to declare a state of emergency. Gov. Steve Beshear made his request May 13.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that churches, local governments and charitable agencies like the Christian Appalachian Project are trying to fill the gaps until long-term recovery starts.
The Red Cross estimated that 307 homes were destroyed and another 593 suffered major damage in seven counties when torrents of rain starting falling May 8.