UK IPH Center podcast focuses on Eastern Ky. flood recovery, challenges for survivors
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 25, 2024) — In July 2022, multiple Eastern Kentucky counties were left in ruins following unprecedented floods that caused widespread devastation to homes and communities. To commemorate the lives lost and celebrate the strength and the heroic acts of care by the community, local resident Brian Lucas and expert Gavin Rienne, Ph.D., shared their experiences and insights on the disaster in a recent episode of Shift Shift Bloom — a podcast by the Center for Innovation in Population Health (IPH-C), housed within the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health.
Brian Lucas, a clinical engineering director at Appalachian Regional Healthcare, recounted the nightmarish ordeal his family faced as floodwaters surged into their home in Perry County. Forced to evacuate quickly, Brian and his family navigated through treacherous conditions to reach safety. Despite the chaos, the strength and solidarity of the community shone through as neighbors rallied to support one another.
The emotional toll on survivors, particularly children, has been significant. Lucas spoke of his own children’s trauma but highlighted the community’s role in helping them cope.
“The support systems and the community have been crucial in the healing process,” he noted.
Rienne, a postdoctoral scholar with the IPH Center, provided a broader perspective on the challenges faced in the aftermath of the disaster. Survivors are grappling with insurance claims and the bureaucratic maze of paperwork required for recovery.
“Community resilience is key,” Dr. Rienne said, advocating for stronger community networks and improved disaster response plans to better prepare for future emergencies.
The flood’s impact on Eastern Kentucky has been profound, with many families starting over from scratch. Yet, among the destruction, stories of resilience and hope emerge.
“Taking it one day at a time makes a difference,” Lucas advised fellow survivors.
As the region continues to rebuild, the importance of community support and preparedness cannot be overstated. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the need for robust disaster management strategies and the unwavering spirit of those affected.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.