Pike County declares disaster after major flooding; shelters, curfew, FEMA assessments and water restorations under way

Judge Jones opened the Pike County Fiscal Court meeting by describing an escalating flood emergency that has left roads and bridges washed out, thousands without water or power and at least three people dead.

Judge Jones said he had declared a local disaster and that Governor Beshear had declared a state disaster and visited the county, and that a presidential disaster declaration had been issued. "I declared a disaster. The governor declares a disaster. Those requests for assistance goes up to the White House. President Trump very quickly, issued the disaster declaration," Judge Jones said, describing the sequence that allows Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to arrive.

The declaration and intergovernmental coordination matters because FEMA can supply both public assistance—aid for repairs to county infrastructure—and individual assistance to residents and business owners. Judge Jones summarized the typical cost share: FEMA usually pays up to 75 percent for public infrastructure damage, the state picks up about 12 percent and about 13 percent is the county match; he said the county can use its own equipment and labor to cover that match. He also outlined immediate help for homeowners without flood insurance: there is a $750 initial assistance payment and, if residents qualify, FEMA grants of up to $42,500 or Small Business Administration loans can be available.

Nut graf: The fiscal court described a large-scale, multiagency recovery effort involving the county road department, state emergency management, the Army National Guard and FEMA assessment teams. County officials urged residents to avoid flooded or damaged areas, outlined temporary shelter locations and clean-up protocols, and warned that a forecasted snow and cold snap could complicate rescue and restoration efforts.

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