BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
EASTERN KENTUCKY — As flood-impacted Kentuckians await disaster relief, SOAR COO Joshua Ball sought to clarify why individuals cannot yet apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In a statement Tuesday, Ball explained that while the federal disaster declaration has enabled public assistance, which allows local and state governments to mobilize resources and support recovery efforts, individual assistance has not yet been approved.
“FEMA is actively on the ground, helping local governments assess and survey the damage, which will inform the decision to grant individual assistance to those impacted,” Ball said. “I know many are already working hard to survey and assess the damage across our communities.”
Ball acknowledged the frustration of those waiting for assistance but urged residents to document their losses in preparation for potential aid.
Keep all photos you took during and after the waters receded.
Create a list (even if it’s handwritten) of what you lost as well as any damage or anticipated damage to your home and property.
“I understand it feels like things aren’t moving quickly enough, but please know that people both inside and outside of government are working hard to get assistance in place,” he said.
“Until then, let’s continue to lean on each other and our communities. This support will be a key part of our long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
SOAR has developed a centralized hub at soar-ky.org/flood to assist Eastern Kentuckians in navigating recovery and rebuilding resources following the recent floods. This platform offers a range of tools and information to support individuals and communities during this challenging time.
On the EKY Flood Recovery Resource Hub, you can:
✔️ Check FEMA Disaster Declarations: Determine if your county is included in the Federal Disaster Declaration and learn about available assistance.
✔️ Apply for FEMA Assistance: Access disaster relief applications for affected homes and businesses.
✔️ Report Your Needs: Participate in the Kentucky Rapid Needs Assessment to inform officials about your immediate requirements.
✔️ Stay Updated: Receive the latest information from Kentucky Emergency Management.
✔️ Replace Lost Documents: Find guidance on recovering essential documents like IDs, insurance papers and birth certificates.
✔️ Access Emergency Contacts: Quickly find contact information for emergency services and crisis support.
Visit the EKY Flood Recovery Resource Hub to access these resources and more. Together, we can navigate the recovery process and rebuild our communities.
Martin County Emergency Management is asking residents who received damage due to the recent flooding and weather event to contact the Martin County Judge’s Office at 606-298-2800 to report any and all damage. MCEM also urges residents to document damages before beginning the cleanup process.
“It is important to make sure all damages are photographed from different angles to ensure any damages are not missed,” the agency advised.