A Message from GIA on the Flooding across Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia
Communities across Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia are devastated by intense and ongoing flooding, with more storms looming. At least 30 people have died, hundreds remain missing, and countless others have lost their homes and belongings in the waters. Kentucky Gov. Beshear estimates it may take months to restore running water there, and excessive heat and infrastructure damage will pose further threats once the floods subside.
The situation is dire and heartbreaking - support is needed now, and will be needed far into the future to help folks regain their footing and to demand steps are taken to protect communities from the extractive industries, exploitative policies, and manmade climate crises that have contributed to this horrific devastation.
Appalshop's building and archives were underwater on Friday, but they have created a Resource Page for flood-impacted people seeking help and support on the ground, for donors and supporters to provide aid, and to provide ongoing updates as the situation unfolds. Appalachians for Appalachia has also created an EKY Flood Relief Community document with detailed information on aid needed and available by county. Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards also has an assistance request form and an extensive list of ways to help here.
For folks not in the impacted region, please give now to these funds organized and distributed by local communities on the ground, and continue to support these communities as the needs will be extensive and exhaustive for the foreseeable future:
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is accepting donations for relief here.
EKY Mutual Aid is accepting funds at:
- https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ekymutualaid
- https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kentuckydaria
- Venmo: @ekymutualaid and @kentuckydaria
- Cashapp: $ekymutualaid
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards' Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid Program is taking donations for direct flood aid. People on both sides of the KY and SWVA borders are in desperate need of direct monetary assistance, food, water, medical supplies, shelter, and hygiene items.
Respond to their call for volunteers and disaster relief through this form.
The Alliance for Appalachia has also compiled this list to support specific communities and organizations:
- Appalachian Citizen's Law Center
- Appalachian Social Club Mutual Aid via PayPal at happalachiansocialclub@gmail.com - funds go directly to support SW Virginia flood relief in Dickenson, Buchanan, and Russell counties and the Town of Pound
- Hindman Settlement School Flood Relief Donation Form and Amazon List
- Cowan Community Center Fund - funds support direct aid through CANE Kitchen, Cowan Community Center, and the Whitesburg Farmers Market.
- Team EKY Flood Relief Fund - also accessible at TeamEKYFloodReliefFund.ky.gov
- You may also donate by mailing a check to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601
The floods in Eastern KY and Southwest Virginia come on the heels of devastating flooding in Missouri with rain levels that broke 100-year-old records, in West Virginia devastating Economic Development Greater East's demonstration farm, Jason Tartt Sr.'s T&T Organics, and flooding in East Tennessee that destroyed the home of Mutual Aid Space Knoxville.
People are helping people, we are keeping each other safe, and communities are organizing to provide mutual aid and disaster relief in the face of manmade climate crises. These immediate, urgent needs are just the beginning of the long-haul work before us - we are grateful for your support today for these communities and we will continue to share opportunities to advance community efforts as the needs evolve.