This photo of a flooded Clay City was taken by photographer Ben Childers and is shared here with permission
Parts of the rural Appalachians have just experienced major flooding that left roads twisted apart and crumbling away, homes underwater, and entire downtowns submerged under feet of water. These are rural communities that are not often in the spotlight, so let’s talk about where they are and what we can do to help them as they go through the long process of drying out and rebuilding.
What Caused the Flooding?
This video of a flooded Beattyville was taken by Ben Childers and is used with permission
For three weeks in February, Eastern Kentucky was slammed by one ice storm and snowstorm after the other. While all eyes were on major disruptions in Texas that came with these storms, the mountains of Kentucky were facing their own struggles. In parts of the region, power was out for two weeks straight. Two people died of hypothermia in Boyd County, one while trying to stay warm in a mobile home.
These storms were not only destructive, they saturated the ground with snowmelt and ice. So, when 8” of rain fell on the night of Sunday, February 28, creeks rose to destructive levels. You can see some of the footage taken by Ben Childers, a photographer from the region who has used drones to capture the scale of devastation. Can you imagine being without power for two weeks, having it come back on, only to have your home flooded?
What is the Outcome?
Flooding is always devastating, but the areas impacted by this event are some of the very poorest in the country. These include the towns of Beattyville, Oneida, and Clay City. Houses in these communities rarely have insurance, which can be an unaffordable luxury to folks living in mobile homes. There is little tax revenue to help the municipalities with the repairs ahead, especially for roads. And our hearts sink for the small businesses that have been submerged. To survive Covid closures only to be flooded seems so cruel. These are hard-working folks trying their best to build new possibilities in their communities after the loss of coal jobs.
How Can I Help?
Photo of a flooded roadway in Clay City by Ben Childers
This shirt is being sold by a wonderful independent bookstore in Hazard called the Read Spotted Newt. You can purchase it by clicking the photo or here.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways to help. At Moonbow, we have contributed to two different causes. The first of these is the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (FAKY). FAKY already does the important work of providing fiscal sponsorship for all manner of important initiatives around the region. They have coordinated a special fund for flood relief that can be used in nimble ways in some of the communities most impacted. The second group we are contributing to is Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid. Mutual Aid is a newer concept that flips the idea of charity on its head. Instead, people within a community contribute small amounts and can come—no judgement—to ask for the help they need. As a member of the Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid group, I can tell you that it is the place for folks to get immediate help without an bureaucracy. If someone has a prescription they can’t pay for, or needs an extra $20 to keep their utilities on, or some formula, they can come to the group and get all manner of immediate help. It is also a great place to give away household items.
This shirt from Shop Local Kentucky is sold in adult and youth sizes. All proceeds will be donated to flood relief. You can shop by clicking on the photo.
In addition to these larger efforts, a number of small businesses are stepping up to help. The Read Spotted Newt is a bookshop in a flooded area. They are selling a special t-shirt emblazoned with “Come hell or high water” that can be ordered here or by clicking the photo. Shop Local Kentucky, is also selling a limited-edition t-shirt to raise funds. This shirt, which as “Appalachia Strong” and an image of mountains across the front, is available in adult and child sizes. You can purchase it by clicking the photo, or going here. UPDATE: Many places have added products that will benefit flood victims. We have added a slideshow of options. Additionally, many places are accepting drop-off donations. We have added slides showing some of these locations at the bottom of this post from Appalachians for Appalachia. If you know of another effort, we are happy to add it to the list.
Natural disasters in rural areas don’t usually make headline news. Small numbers and small communities are not sensational enough, and often don’t carry the same weight in the collective consciousness. But this are still tough losses and tough times, and it means that even the smallest gifts are meaningful and appreciated. This may have been one of the toughest years many have endured, but if hardship proves anything, it is our humanity.
Many roads have crumbled, leaving folks stranded. This is a roadway in Oneida. Photo courtesy of Lisa Borque, but highlights how long the recovery may take.
Get to Know Us
Sky and Geoff Marietta are passionate about rebuilding Main Street businesses in Appalachian Kentucky. Look for some of our blog posts below, or find out more about our start here.
