KENTUCKY — Eastern Kentucky continues to recover from last summer’s flood that left 45 dead and countless homeless across 13 counties, one year ago on July 28, 2022.

This week on “In Focus Kentucky” we’re sharing updates on some of the progress that has been made in the region and share what challenges remain, from what many often refer to as the worst flooding event in our state’s history.

During this segment, Kentucky State Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, represents some of the counties in eastern Kentucky hardest hit by the floods.

Smith discusses his efforts in the Kentucky General Assembly to restore hope and actual infrastructure in the region. 

“There is still a lot of work to be done. But I will say from being on the ground as long as I have, that I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the efforts made on behalf of so many firemen and local police officers and magistrates and mayors has been tremendous. I think people often get down on their elected officials. But I could not say enough about what I’ve seen of efforts of people that never expect to be on film, no film crew around that they’re really diving in to help out because they’ve got family and stuff that they’ve had this happen to and the local spirit that has not been broken yet. But I do think that’s that can’t go on forever, but the people have hung in there waiting. And I think that’s why it’s more important than ever that we deliver to the people, before they just give up altogether,” said Smith.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.