MONTEREY, Kentucky – Maggie LeMaster and her family found themselves surrounded by floodwaters as the Kentucky River overflowed, forcing them to evacuate their home. Rescued by an emergency boat crew, Maggie clung to her family members as they navigated the flooded streets. Despite the chaos, Maggie’s spirit remained high as she raised her fist in excitement.
The LeMaster family is just one of many affected by the devastating floods that have swept through Kentucky and the central U.S. in recent days. The relentless rain from an atmospheric river has triggered record-setting flooding, leading to at least 19 fatalities.
As emergency management teams work tirelessly to evacuate residents in the face of rising waters, the situation remains dire. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of a potential historic flash flood event, urging residents to prioritize safety and heed evacuation orders.
In the midst of the chaos, acts of bravery and camaraderie shine through. From rescuing possessions in kayaks to paddling through the rushing currents, communities are coming together to support one another in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges ahead, the resilient spirit of the people of Kentucky shines bright amidst the devastation.
Water and residents were only part of Karsner’s concerns. “Now we’re concerned about potential looters,” he expressed. “I’ve requested assistance from the state, but if they are unable to provide it, I am prepared to spend the entire night in this truck if necessary.” In the latest news, Carroll County in Kentucky has issued mandatory evacuation orders following an accidental dam release. “Thank you all once again,” Karsner expressed gratitude.
These were significant issues for Maggie, who continued to point out observations to a boy in a yellow safety vest who assisted her off the boat. Karsner led the family to his truck, planning to transport them to Owensboro, where a relative would then take them to a safe, dry home. After loading their belongings, he addressed the Scott County Search & Rescue team. “Thank you all again,” he acknowledged. Four men dressed in red wet suits nodded in understanding – a silent exchange of gratitude.
This article was first published in the Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky experiences severe flooding leading to evacuations and transformed streets into rivers.
