KRYPTON, Ky. — A major part of the recovery process in eastern Kentucky will be repairing roads that have left some stranded.
What You Need To Know
- Hundreds of roads and bridges were destroyed by flooding and mudslides in eastern Kentucky
- When the creek surged past Led and Kathy McIntosh’s home the night of July 28, it took their driveway with it
- McIntosh’s brother arrived a few days later with rope and some pulleys, giving them a literal lifeline
When the creek surged past Led and Kathy McIntosh’s home the night of July 28, it took their driveway with it.
“It sounded like a bomb going off going down the road,” recalled Led McIntosh.
Though their Krypton home wasn’t flooded, they were stranded without power or plumbing with a massive washout in front of the home.
“It was pretty scary,” he said. “It’s right at 50 feet wide and I’d say it’s probably at least 25, 30 foot deep.”
McIntosh’s brother arrived a few days later with rope and some pulleys, giving them a lifeline.
The rope is hooked up to the trailer hitch of McIntosh’s truck, which is parked in front of the house.
“It took longer for the guys to bring the stuff over than what it did to actually put it in,” McIntosh said.
The quick workaround allowed them to get food, water and even propane delivered by duffel bag.
A neighbor came by later with a friend to dig out steps in the mud on both sides of the mountain and install a metal walkway and plywood railing, so that the family could at least reach the other side.
McIntosh said they wouldn’t accept any money from him.
“They’re more like family than they are neighbors,” he told Spectrum News 1. “They come to help you, and if we had more people like that… all this fussing and fighting and killing each other, it wouldn’t be happening.”
McIntosh said he feels fortunate. Their home is OK and they can rebuild.
“There’s no use to worry about it, but I’m hoping they can get in here, at least make me a temporary way out until you know we get everything straightened out, because like I said, everybody’s hurting right now and they’re hurting a lot more than what I am.”
Even though they appear cut off from their community, thanks to the kindness of others, they’ve never felt closer.