Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump has taken action to ensure swift relief efforts are delivered to disaster-stricken areas in the great state of Kentucky, where inclement weather in mid-February has resulted in dangerous flooding and tragic loss of life.
According to FEMA, the president approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Kentucky on Monday, making federal funding available for 10 counties in the state. These funds will support recovery efforts and disaster assistance for those counties affected by the intense floods, landslides, and high winds that began February 14 and are still wreaking havoc in the region.
Per the White House, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said the president “clearly understands that when Americans are in need, we all have to act together.”
Last week, President Trump approved an initial emergency declaration allowing federal aid to fund immediate emergency response efforts.
Hamilton acknowledged the president’s swift response to help Kentuckians from the beginning.
He said in a statement, “Starting with his decisive action on February 16 that allowed us to activate search and rescue assets and other emergency efforts to save lives to his major declaration, I know the people of Kentucky value his leadership which will now open up the full suite of FEMA support to those impacted.”
Tragically, as of Monday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that 22 Kentuckians had died in the disaster so far.
The governor also extended his thanks on Monday to President Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for assisting affected state residents. “Thank you for doing what’s right for Kentucky,” he wrote on X.
According to the White House, this week’s authorization of further emergency relief efforts will be used for things like grants for temporary housing and additional programs to help businesses and locals in the aftermath of the destruction.