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Five more flood-impacted Kentucky counties approved for additional FEMA funding

Many are still without power or internet access and are applying for FEMA assistance in person. But lines can be long
Justin Hicks
Many are still without power or internet access and are applying for FEMA assistance in person. But lines can be long

Residents of five more counties can now receive additional assistance following the historic flooding in eastern Kentucky.

FEMA approved individual and disaster unemployment assistance in Leslie, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley and Whitely counties.

“This is more good news for the residents in these counties, who can immediately begin applying for assistance,” Gov. Beshear said in a news release. “While residents do not have to utilize in-person services, we are continuing to expand in-person services in affected counties to help claimants file for benefits.”

Individual assistance allows for uninsured or underinsured people who were impacted by disasters to receive funds and services to help meet their needs.

Disaster unemployment assistance offers temporary benefits to people who have lost their jobs or had their employment interrupted by the flooding.

FEMA has set up sites where people can apply for assistance in some of the impacted areas. 

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance (OUI) is accepting disaster unemployment assistance applications and has opened an in-person location in Oneida. Beshear said the agency plans to open more in-person locations in the coming days.

People who need help with the claims process can attend information sessions beginning August 8 through August 12 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the locations below:


  • Breathitt County

    • 421 Jett Drive, Jackson, KY 41339
  • Clay County

    • Oneida Elementary School, 435 Newfound Road, Oneida, KY 40972
  • Knott County

    • Knott County Sportsplex, 450 Kenny Champion Loop #8765, Leburn, KY 41831
  • Perry County

    • Hazard Community and Technical College, 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701

Hundreds of Kentuckians are sheltering at state parks after the flood waters rendered their homes uninhabitable.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park are among the parks that have opened their rooms and campgrounds to those in need of a place to stay.

Beshear visited families staying at these two parks on Saturday.

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing as crews work to get essential infrastructure back up and functioning. Kentucky State Police are working to identify and locate missing persons.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit eastern Kentucky on Monday.

Breya Jones is the Arts & Culture Reporter for LPM. Email Breya at bjones@lpm.org.