WCK Activates in Response to Flooding in Kentucky

 

WCK Activates in Response to Kentucky Flooding Late Wednesday night, pouring rains triggered severe flooding across eastern Kentucky. Entire homes were destroyed and at least 28 deaths have been confirmed. Families were trapped on their rooftops as washed out or impassable roads and bridges have left communities isolated and cut off from support. Adding to this increasingly difficult situation, thousands are now without access to clean, running water.  Mobilizing WCK chefs and logistics experts, our team arrived quickly, spreading out across the impacted area to identify needs. This weekend, we began cooking.   SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS Hazard, Kentucky—a city with a population of about 5,200—has quickly become a center for supply donations and support for families affected by the flooding. A school gymnasium has been turned into a relief hub with diapers, clothing, dry goods, and more. Out front, there's drive-through water distribution.  WCK joined the local community working around the clock to begin cooking. On our first day of service yesterday, WCK chefs prepared 1,000 plates of Appalachian soup beans with onions and cornbread for lunch and then almost doubled that with more than 1,700 plates of pasta and meatballs served for dinner. On top of hot meals, we've been distributing sandwiches on the fly as we continue to assess need and identify affected communities. Today, WCK's chef team prepared plates of chicken and dumplings paired with mixed vegetables. These meals were served at distribution points including in Isom and Buckhorn with some door-to-door deliveries in the hardest-hit neighborhoods. While dropping off meals today in Saul—a small community without power, water, and working communications—we met twins Abby and Annie. They shared their love for Hello Kitty and the color pink as they enjoyed crisp apples before lunch! WCK's work in Kentucky is just beginning. This flooding was caused by a 1-in-1,000 year rainstorm hitting the region. We've heard from many families that this is the worst damage they have ever seen. We'll do our best to be here with comforting meals as families begin to rebuild. To support our work, please donate here, and to keep up with the latest from around the world, follow WCK on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  With bridges washed out, the WCK team used an amphibious vehicle to deliver water!