The declaration makes federal aid available to individuals and businesses. Severe rains and flooding, and tornadoes has affected approximately 52 counties, and the Governor has declared a State of Emergency statewide. Key FEMA staff arrived today in Frankfurt, KY, joining a state liaison official already in place at the State Emergency Operations Center. Preliminary Damage Assessments will begin when flood waters recede. FEMA Director James Lee Witt is scheduled to visit the state tomorrow, March 5.
Reports indicate thousands of people are displaced and an unknown but large number of homes damaged.
The flooding threat continues in some areas as rivers continue to rise. Today, March 4, President Clinton declared a major disaster in 14 counties, allowing federal disaster aid to be distributed to individuals and businesses. The Governor has declared states of emergency in 14 counties affected by flooding. Other counties may be designated eligible for federal aid as FEMA completes damage assessments. Five deaths have been confirmed by the state.