President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Kentucky following devastating flooding across the Commonwealth.
Congressman James Comer applauded the move, saying the declaration unlocks critical federal resources to aid recovery, including debris removal, emergency response, and individual financial assistance.
In a written statement, Comer said the flooding has brought “heartbreaking damage to many families,” and that this declaration is a “vital step toward recovery.”
On April 11, Gov. Andy Beshear requested a Major Disaster Declaration, which includes Individual Assistance for Kentuckians in 13 of the counties affected by the most recent flooding, including Christian and Hopkins counties. Once ongoing assessments are complete, the governor will request that additional counties be added to the declaration through an amendment.
Following a joint letter of support from Kentucky’s congressional delegation, the declaration opens access to FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program. This allows affected Kentuckians to apply for reimbursement for serious needs not covered by insurance, such as home repairs or replacements, rental assistance, and other urgent expenses.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross is opening Disaster Resource Centers in flood-affected areas to help survivors navigate available aid and apply for financial support.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY
Public Works Complex
705 N Main Street, Hopkinsville, KY
Open: April 26–30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
MCLEAN COUNTY
Calhoun Baptist Church Fellowship Hall
315 Main Street, Calhoun, KY
Open: April 27, 1–7 p.m. CT, April 28 – May 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT
At these sites, Red Cross representatives will explain aid options and help survivors connect with resources. Additional centers will open soon across the impacted counties.
FINANCIAL AID & SUPPORT
Financial assistance is available for qualified households whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged. The Red Cross is rolling out aid by county. As assessments are completed, eligible families will be contacted via text, email, or phone with instructions on how to claim support.
Survivors do not need to visit a center to apply. For more details, visit redcross.org/gethelp.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
To support those affected by the floods, visit redcross.org/kentucky, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. Every gift helps the Red Cross respond to and help communities recover from disasters.
