PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia-area volunteers are helping communities in Kentucky after major flooding led to dozens of deaths, unaccounted residents and widespread damage.
The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region sent three volunteers to Kentucky to help in shelters that were set up in flood-ravaged areas.
“Giving the people a warm, safe, dry place to go so they can start the mental process of recovery,” volunteer Mary Noll told NBC10. “You never know how much you have to be thankful for until you see how much you could lose.”
Officials said 8 to 10 inches of rain fell in the eastern part of the state over a 48-hour period late last week.
“For those that experienced the flooding in the Pennsylvania area last year — what I saw is probably 10 times worse than what they saw,” volunteer Fred Lehman told NBC10.
Officials in Kentucky said at least 28 people were killed. Gov. Andy Beshear said on Saturday that there have been more than 1,200 rescues, but they fear crews could be finding bodies “for weeks to come.” Fourteen counties are considered to be disaster zones due to the flooding, mudslides and landslides.
“We continue to pray for the families that have suffered an unfathomable loss,” Beshear said. ”Some having lost almost everyone in their household.”
Officials said many homes continue to be without power, water or both. To make matters worse, more rain is expected early this week.
The Red Cross also has volunteers who are helping virtually, including three from the Philadelphia area.
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