LONDON, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief assessors were on the ground Sunday to determine needs after severe thunderstorms and tornadoes ripped through southeastern Kentucky late Friday night.
At least 19 people have died, most from Laurel County and one who was added Sunday from Russell County. Several businesses were destroyed in Somerset of Pulaski County, including the Lake Cumberland Baptist Association office building and garage.
A supercell storm caused widespread damage, including downed power lines, shattered homes, and flattened buildings, said KYDR Director Ron Crow.
KYDR assessors, along with Crow, have boots on the ground in southeastern Kentucky mapping out a plan to help in recovery efforts that began in most of the impacted areas Sunday.
Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief will set up recovery operations at Corinth Baptist Church in London beginning Sunday night.
After a long day of overall assessment, it was determined that London suffered more damage to homes. Chainsaw teams will begin work on Monday, Crow said.
Georgia Baptist Diaster Relief is sending an additional three chainsaw teams to assist.
“We are grateful for their partnership,” Crow said.
The Lake Cumberland Association DR team is working to clean up the debris from the association building that was destroyed, Crow said.
“They will also begin to assist some homeowners in the Somerset area beginning on Monday. Much of the damage in Somerset was in the business district. We will seek to assist homeowners as needs arise, but there is no plan to set up an operation unless deemed necessary. We will work with our local teams.”
KYDR volunteers are already working in other parts of the state following the severe weather.
The South Central Association DR team is working in Bowling Green.
“They did not suffer considerable damage, but there are numerous tress and limbs down,” Crow said. “The SCBA lost several trees on their property, and they will begin on Monday to clear those trees. They are also working with local homeowners to assist as needed.”
Blood River Association has assisted with a few homeowners in the Benton area with tree removal.
Christian County Association is working in Oak Grove to help with flood recovery following the April flood event. Some homes were flooded for 32 days.
“There is still much work to be done, but they are working hard to help those affected,” Crow said.
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Mark Maynard is the managing editor of Kentucky Today, the online news website of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
