NICHOLAS COUNTY, Ky. — Rubble lined the roads of downtown Carlisle, the remnants of natural disaster evident, even before recent rain again brought the creeks to a swelling roar. In July, homes and businesses were destroyed and one person was killed, in a historic flood in the central Kentucky community.
What You Need To Know
- Nicholas County residents are facing floods unlike anything they have seen
- Just weeks ago, a historic flood moved homes from foundations, devastated businesses and killed one person
- Now the waters are again rising from an excess of rain, and neighbors are asking why
- FEMA is also making the rounds, evaluating the damage
That wasn't the last of the wet weather. This week, there's been flooded streets and rising waters. On Tuesday, neighbors braced for more water from Tropical Storm Fred's aftermath.
Community leaders blame nature and frequent downpours for the flooding. However, some neighbors feel there's an issue with area infrastructure that's to blame. They're looking for answers.
A rushing Stoney Creek is an example of just how powerful the water can be. Neighbor Christopher Takacs took to Facebook to post his video of the swelling waterway on the "Carlisle's Comback" community page. That's not all. There's a colorful discussion of the recent flood disasters.
"People are just, we're on edge, you know," explained Jerry Johnson.
Johnson, who sits on the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, had damage to his home basement. It doubles as his small business, where he teaches piano lessons.
"We just had to start bailing water out," he remembered. "The rain was coming down very heavily. We discovered very quickly that our pumps in our basement were not working."
That was July 30. Since then, there's been more flooding, and even more is expected.
"Nature is putting it on us," said Mayor Ronnie Clark. "We're just like you turning a boot up and pouring it out on us, just boom."
People are posting their theories on social media, suggesting the floods could be caused by clogged creeks or from an excess of runoff from new construction on Highway 68. The mayor said he's heard these and feels it's simply nature to blame.
Still, he said he's had crews out cleaning debris. "The amount of rain we're getting in such a short amount of time that it just can't hold it all," he argued.
People were left to brace for more water on Tuesday, but are helping each other during the tough time.
"People are just really scared I believe," Johnson explained. The Chamber has started a fund for people in need.
FEMA is also making the rounds, evaluating the damage. County Judge-Executive Steve Hamilton said crews will meet Wednesday to examine the creeks and plan possible flood mitigation strategies.