One month later, Kentucky flood evacuees weigh cloudy future

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Nearly a month after deadly flooding engulfed their houses, some eastern Kentuckians sheltering at state parks continue to wrestle with the same life-defining question — whether to rebuild at the place they call home or start over somewhere else, according to AP.

Ivallean Smith, who awoke to rising floodwaters when her chihuahua licked her hand, hopes to return to the parcel of land she owns and loves. If she stays put, she says she’ll have to elevate her new home with blocks to try to protect against the kind of terror she lived through late last month, when the rain never seemed like it would stop.

Cynthia Greathouse has already made up her mind — she and her husband hope to leave soon for Florida. Greathouse was nearly swept away by surging floodwaters. Starting over elsewhere just seems easier.

John Bailey, meanwhile, still isn’t sure what comes next. His family’s home was ruined by the water, and his kids don’t want to go back.

For now, they’re all being lodged in hotel-style rooms at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, a vacationer’s retreat tucked into the Appalachian mountains. Late last week, 455 people were still being housed in Kentucky state parks, churches, schools and community centeres, Gov. Andy Beshear said.

For those displaced by the flood, decisions on whether to stay or leave will be crucial for the future of eastern Kentucky, where the coal industry’s decline has added to the region’s hardships.

Despite his indecision, Bailey sounded upbeat Tuesday, knowing things could have been worse. The catastrophic flooding caused at least 39 deaths in eastern Kentucky.

“We’re a lot better off than some people,” he said. “Some people lost their family.”

Flood victims said they’ve been treated with kindness at Jenny Wiley, known for towering pines, elk-viewing tours and fishing on Dewey Lake. The state parks, American Red Cross and communities have provided meals. But for displaced families, the focus is on the future.

Federal emergency management personnel have been on site. Other services included crisis counseling and help to replace lost driver’s licenses and seek disaster unemployment assistance.

Those at Jenny Wiley lauded the park’s staff for the hospitality extended to them. And they praised Beshear for taking up their cause. The Democratic governor has pushed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to accelerate its approval of requests for help.