May 5, 2010 —
As nearly 5 inches of rain fell over the weekend, rivers, lakes and creeks swelled over banks to devastate Carter County, with downtown Olive Hill taking the worst hit.
Hearts were heavy but spirits were high Monday as hundreds of folks dug through their flood-soaked belongings and merchandise.
The 2010 flood put people out of homes and shut down businesses.
The cleanup began early Monday morning and is expected to take weeks and even months in order to gain some sort of normality back in the county – especially Olive Hill.
“The county has put dumpsters in downtown Olive Hill and will be taking care of them for the people,” Judge Executive Charles Wallace commented Tuesday. “We want to do this to help the city out.”
Wallace said although the flood damage is “horrible,” matters could have been worse. “It’s amazing that no one was hurt or drowned. It’s just a blessing when you hear about no one being drowned.”
Wallace said he has declared a state of emergency and is waiting word from the governor as to what amount of relief will be offered to Carter County.
“Everyone effected by the flood is asked to do an assessment of what they lost and that will be reported to Tommy Thompson, Carter County E-911 director,” Wallace continued. “
The newly opened senior citizens center was built two and one-half feet above flood stage level, Wallace said. “There was eight feet of water inside that building,” he added. “It is just unbelievable. I can’t describe the devastation. I feel so bad for everyone. As a county, we will do everything we can to help Olive Hill.”
Olive Hill Mayor Danny Sparks also declared a state of emergency for the city.
According to reports, 40 counties in Kentucky were hit by the weekend flooding. Four flood-related deaths were reported.
Local News
Related Photos
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Carter County E-911 Director Tommy Thompson takes an assessment of damages to property owned by Michael Fox in Olive Hill, caused by Sunday’s flash flooding. photo/Tonia Rose
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