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Stamford, Conn. – Aug. 1, 2022 – Americares is responding to the devastating flooding that struck southeastern Kentucky late last week, killing at least 30 people, causing widespread damage and displacing hundreds of families. According to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, dozens of others remain missing, and the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The historic flooding also knocked out vital power, water and roadway infrastructure, some of which has yet to be restored.
As of Monday afternoon, all of eastern Kentucky remains at risk of excessive rainfall and isolated flash flooding is possible, according to the National Weather Service. With the ground already saturated, more rain could bring additional flooding, further complicating the relief efforts.
An Americares emergency response team is on the ground in southeastern Kentucky, going door-to-door to health facilities in the hardest hit communities to assess the needs and offering assistance to meet the immediate needs of survivors, including displaced families.
“The flooding in southeastern Kentucky has devastated communities and put the health of thousands at risk,” said Americares U.S. Director of Emergency Response Mariel Fonteyn, who is leading the organization’s relief efforts on the ground. “Clinics have sustained major damage and hospitals have evacuated patients. We’re working around the clock to ensure both health care providers and patients get the help they desperately need.”
The health-focused relief and development organization is prepared to send critically needed medicines and relief supplies to support survivors, including medicines to treat chronic diseases, insulin, diabetic supplies, hygiene kits and first aid items, as well as emergency funding to help restore health services in affected communities.
Americares has professional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increases accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improves and expands clinical services; and prevents disease and promotes good health.
The organization responds to more than 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings preparedness programs to communities vulnerable to disasters. Americares has provided more than $20 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States, since it was founded more than 40 years ago.
Donations to Americares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the flooding. To donate, go to sandbox.americares.org/usdisasters