On July 28, 2022, heavy rain poured down across eastern Kentucky, triggering flash flooding that caused mudslides and washed away homes and roadways. The storm produced more than 10 inches of rain in a 24-hour period. This is only days after another thousand-year flood event in the St. Louis area.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told CNN early Friday that the death toll had risen to 15 and that number would likely double. Beshear described this as “one of the worst and most devastating events in Kentucky’s history” and an ongoing natural disaster during the press conference. “I wish I could tell you why we keep getting hit here in Kentucky,” Beshear said. “I wish I could tell you why areas, where people may not have that much, continue to get hit and lose everything. I can’t give you the why, but I know what we do in response to it. And the answer is everything we can. These are our people. Let’s make sure we help them out.”
CERF+ is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to any requests for emergency financial assistance from eligible artists who work in craft disciplines. If you are a materials-based artist or artisan impacted by the severe weather, please visit our recovery resources and submit an inquiry for our emergency relief program. We are here for you and can help guide you through the application process.
This is a particularly stressful situation for all residents affected by this disaster. We encourage anyone personally affected to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
