Letter to Hon. Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States - Barr, Kentucky Congressional Delegation Urge Presidential Disaster Declaration for Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims

Letter

Dear President Biden,
We write to call your attention to the July 28, 2022, letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the historic and disastrous rain, floods, and mudslides that began on July 26, 2022, and remain ongoing. We support this request in the strongest terms and ask for your immediate consideration so that relief may begin.
Excessive rainfall caused deadly flash flooding across Eastern Kentucky leading to significant rescue efforts as a result of blocked roads and destroyed bridges from high water, mud slides, and downed trees. Several Kentuckians are confirmed dead, with many still unaccounted for. Hundreds of homes and many businesses were severely damaged or totally lost in the flood. Governor Beshear rightly declared a State of Emergency in quick response to the disaster, and mobilized the Kentucky National Guard, but this remains an ongoing, dynamic, and dangerous situation.
The immediate aftermath of the catastrophic flooding resulted in power outages for tens of thousands of households, and severe damage to critical infrastructure. Appropriate authorities are assisting with water rescues, debris removal, helicopter evacuations, and supply delivery. However, federal assistance is necessary.
We appreciate your timely consideration of this request, which will greatly assist Kentucky communities in a desperate time of need. Thank you in advance for your quick action in this matter.