On July 27, 2022, a flood swept through 14 counties in East Kentucky, killing 45 people and displacing thousands more. More than six months later, the affected communities remain on a long road to recovery.

The area hit by the flood is one of the most rural regions in the country, and it’s also home to the main offices of our publisher and parent organization, the Center for Rural Strategies. In light of that, the Daily Yonder is committed to following the stories of the flood and its aftermath, to lift up acts of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience shown by neighbors in the region, and to preserve the lived experiences of the people of East Kentucky.

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East Kentucky Flood

The Film

A documentary film by the Center for Rural Strategies, “East Kentucky Flood” tells the stories of those who endured the flood — including the life-saving actions of a firefighter in Whitesburg and the rebuilding of an independent grocery store in Isom — revealing not just what happened in July 2022, but what lies ahead for communities across East Kentucky.

The half-hour documentary premiered locally on Monday, January 27, 2022, on WYMT, the local CBS television affiliate in Hazard, Kentucky. It made its statewide premiere on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, on KET, Kentucky’s public television network and continues to air on KET throughout the month of February.

The directors’ cut of the film now makes its national, digital debut here on the Daily Yonder. You can also stream the film on the Daily Yonder YouTube channel.

From the Film

A Clip from the Documentary ‘East Kentucky Flood’: The Drunk Angels

“They stayed with us three days. I don’t think they drew a sober breath while they was here. They just kept on a-cooking.”

A Clip from the Documentary ‘East Kentucky Flood’: Isom IGA

“When it comes down to it, we all want the same thing. We all want to help and have a servant’s heart for one another.”

A Clip from the Documentary ‘East Kentucky Flood’: Building Back

“God has answered my prayer. I’m going to get my home.”

‘East Kentucky Flood’ Documentary Available for Streaming

The film reveals both the devastating impact of the flood and the resiliency and generosity of East Kentucky residents.

More to Watch

Get a closer look at the days immediately following the flood from the perspective of the Isom IGA, a story featured in the “East Kentucky Flood” documentary. Photos by Malcolm Wilson.

Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.

Podcast and Radio

Everywhere Radio

Don’t miss these two podcast interviews about the flooding in East Kentucky, featured on Everywhere Radio, a podcast from the Rural Assembly. Like the Daily Yonder, the Rural Assembly is a program of the Center for Rural Strategies. Learn more at ruralassembly.org.

Everywhere Radio is available on popular podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more. Listen and subscribe today.

Filmmakers preserve stories from East Kentucky flood

In this episode of Everywhere Radio, host Whitney Kimball Coe talks with filmmakers Dee Davis, Mimi Pickering, and Joel Cohen about their new half-hour documentary, “East Kentucky Flood.” They share why they felt compelled to gather and share stories of those who witnessed the July 2022 flooding that devastated the region that Davis and Pickering call home.

From the frontlines of the 2022 Kentucky flood

Jessica Shelton and Katie Myers have been on the frontlines of responding to the flooding disaster in Eastern Kentucky in a variety of roles. We talked with them about their work and the region’s recovery. Jessica is the director of the Appalachian Media Institute at Appalshop in Whitesburg, KY. Katie is the economic transition reporter for the Ohio Valley ReSource and WMMT 88.7 FM also in Whitesburg.

RISE

In partnership with WEKU, the public radio station for central and eastern Kentucky, the Daily Yonder has contributed content to “RISE,” a special six-part series focused on the floods. The series is a special edition of Eastern Standard, WEKU’s weekly public affairs program. Each episode uplifts conversations focused on the realities of the present and prospects for the future in eastern Kentucky.

The series features reporting from Daily Yonder contributors Anya Slepyan, Caroline Carlson, Claire Carlson, Joel Cohen, and Xandr Brown.

Each episode of “RISE” airs locally on the radio via WEKU and is also available online via popular podcast platforms. You can also listen to the episodes below.

Episode 1

RISE is an Eastern Standard documentary series from WEKU about the July 2022 flash flood in Eastern Kentucky and its lingering aftermath.

Episode 2

Episode Two of RISE focuses on a pre-existing housing shortage made far worse by the flood; flood insurance issues; floodplain mapping; leadership exhaustion and stress; and the work of some of the key nonprofit organizations in the region. The episode is capped by a Chris Begley essay about the nature of mountain communities and how this event is forcing difficult change

Episode 3

Episode three of RISE investigates an increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as the moisture-heavy storm system that stalled above eastern Kentucky on the night of July 27, 2022 and intensified well into the morning of the July 28. The resulting flash flood claimed more than 40 lives and destroyed or severely damaged thousands of homes — homes located outside of officially mapped floodplains. The episode explores the question: are these storms the calling card of climate change?

Episode 4

Episode Four of RISE explores the psychology of crisis and the mental health impacts of the July flood on survivors who lost everything, children, and whole communities destroyed by floodwaters. It also explores the stress and strain on caseworkers and first responders. Although there’s a strong cultural resistance to seeking professional mental health care, there’s also a strong culture of neighbors helping neighbors get by, kindness undeterred by crisis.

Episode 5

Episode Five of RISE focuses on Response, Recovery, Preparedness — the three phases that follow a natural disaster. Six months after a moisture-laden storm stalled above and relentlessly drenched southeast Kentucky the region remains somewhere among those stages. We review FEMA’s performance, learn of the breadth of the first response, and see why the flood elevates the push for internet connectivity to a difference between life and death.

Episode 6

Episode Six of RISE: Forty-five lives were lost. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed by the flash flood in July of 2022. While still adjusting to such heavy loss and amid much uncertainty, Eastern Kentuckians are giving careful consideration to the future. In addition to addressing the immediate need for housing on higher ground, that future includes preparing for the possibility of more frequent extreme weather. Is this a turning point? Or just another turn on the curvy road ahead? Residents demonstrate the most important key to a strong community is knowing how to show up for your neighbors.

Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.
Photos by Malcolm Wilson.

Ongoing Coverage

As the Daily Yonder continues its reporting on flood recovery in East Kentucky, you can keep up with our latest stories here.

News and Reporting

In the Face of Extreme Floods, Rural Kentucky Lacked Forecasting and Broadband

As severe weather events increase, so does danger to rural communities. Plans are in place to address the urban observation bias in national weather prediction, but the other piece — reliable broadband — could still be years away for places like Eastern Kentucky.

by Claire Carlson and Anya Slepyan March 23, 2023March 23, 2023

Finding ‘Higher Ground’: Locally-led Movement Works Toward a Just Housing Recovery in Eastern Kentucky

The urgent need for housing assistance in flood stricken Appalachian communities reveals the severe limitations of the nation’s response and support systems. Community groups are stepping up to help.

by Kim Kobersmith February 2, 2023February 16, 2023

After Devastating Floods, a Rainbow of Quilts Brings Hope

More than 1,000 quilts have been donated for Eastern Kentucky flood victims, with one local quilt shop owner leading the effort to wrap the area’s hardest hit residents in warmth and care.

by Kim Kobersmith December 5, 2022December 22, 2022

Four Hooves Beat Four Wheels for Some Early Flood Relief Teams

In the hours and days following Eastern Kentucky’s July 28 flood, a horseman’s group was among the many people and organizations that volunteered to deliver supplies to families cut off by the destruction.

by Hillary Smith / University of Kentucky September 4, 2022September 5, 2022

An Education Interrupted: Eastern Kentucky Schools and Students Face a Long Road to Recovery after the Floods

Young people need predictability, safety, and security – just the things the flood washed away. School districts grapple with complex logistical issues while trying to tend to the needs of families and pupils.

by Claire Carlson and Tracy Staley August 29, 2022February 9, 2023

As the President Visits Kentucky After Flooding, Residents Send a Message of Resilience and Frustration

Kentuckians affected by the recent flooding want Biden to know they are strong and determined to rebuild. But they also want the federal government to know what they really need in terms of disaster relief.

by Tracy Staley August 9, 2022August 23, 2022

Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief and Recovery – How You Can Help

Historic floods have swept through parts of Eastern Kentucky, leveling communities and leaving at least 38 dead, with that number likely to rise. Here’s how you can help.

by Staff August 3, 2022August 23, 2022

Mud and Mutual Aid: The Early Days of Recovery from Eastern Kentucky Floods

With 38 deaths and thousands of homes and businesses destroyed, Eastern Kentuckians face a daunting task to recover. While larger efforts get organized, neighbors are helping neighbors. But it’s going to take more, says the publisher of the Daily Yonder.

by Tim Marema August 1, 2022January 18, 2023

Commentary

Commentary: (Distant) Neighbor Helping Neighbor

When La Grange, Texas, needed help recovering from the floods of Hurricane Harvey, national groups stepped up to lend local people a hand. Now those Texans are paying it forward by sending money to help the people of Eastern Kentucky.

by Bill Bishop August 19, 2022August 23, 2022

Commentary: Things the Flood Takes

Last month’s flash flood in Eastern Kentucky killed 39 people, including Dennis Stacy. Those who survived will never be the same.

by Dee Davis August 16, 2022August 23, 2022

Commentary: TVA Owes Eastern Kentucky Reparations for Strip Mining’s Role in Flooding

The Tennessee Valley Authority’s appetite for cheap coal flattened the mountaintops of Eastern Kentucky. It decimated one region in the name of helping another.

by James Branscome August 15, 2022August 23, 2022

First Person: Before the Flood, Breaking Beans at Hindman

After the flood waters of Troublesome Creek damaged buildings, automobiles, and 120 years of history, Hindman Settlement School now faces the dual task of preserving its legacy while addressing the current needs of a hard-hit community.

by Tracy Staley August 8, 2022August 23, 2022

Commentary: A ‘Second Disaster’ Caused by Good Will

People naturally want to help others who are in need, and that’s a good thing. To avoid creating more strain for already hard-hit communities, it’s best to give cash. Here’s why, plus a list of ways to contribute to recovery in Eastern Kentucky.

by Bill Bishop August 3, 2022August 23, 2022

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In the Community

In support of the communities of East Kentucky, the Center for Rural Strategies made grants to local groups, including the East Kentucky Mutual Aid Society, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, Appalshop Archive, Hemphill Community Center and Revive Our Lower Letcher (via the Letcher County Culture Hub), as well as to support the establishment of a youth education and culture center in Fleming-Neon.

These grants were made possible by gifts from the Hearthland Foundation, Chorus Inc., Triangle Community Foundation, Peter Pearce, and other individuals.

How You Can Help

If you would like to play a part in the ongoing recovery in East Kentucky, we’ve collected below a list of community organizations that welcome donations from individuals looking to offer support in the region.

Hemphill Community Center
Appalshop
HOMES, Inc.
Housing Development Alliance
Partnership Housing, Inc.
Fund for Appalachian Kentucky
CANE Kitchen
Appalachian Citizen’s Law Center
Cowan Community Action Group
Christian Appalachian Project
Appalachia Service Project
East KY Mutual Aid
- PayPal.me/kentuckydaria (Jessica Shelton)
- Venmo – @kentuckydaria (Jessica Shelton) OR @ekymutualaid (Misty Skaggs)
- Cashapp – $kentuckydaria (Jessica Shelton) OR $ekymutualaid (Misty Skaggs)

Photos by Malcolm Wilson.

Support Our Work

If you value our coverage of East Kentucky — or beyond, all across rural America — we hope you’ll consider making a donation to support our nonprofit newsroom.

The documentary film “East Kentucky Flood” and the reporting of the Daily Yonder are both productions of the Center for Rural Strategies, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Whitesburg, Kentucky.