Kentucky Governor Criticizes FEMA Response to Deadly Floods

Kentucky Governor , Criticizes FEMA , Response to Deadly Floods. On August 11, the official death count from the devastating flooding in Kentucky rose to 39. On August 11, the official death count from the devastating flooding in Kentucky rose to 39. The Associated Press reports that Governor Andy Beshear called out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for denying requests for assistance. The Associated Press reports that Governor Andy Beshear called out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for denying requests for assistance. Earlier this week, Aaron "Mick" Crawford, a high school athlete who had spent days helping clean up from the historic flooding became the 38th person to die. . Earlier this week, Aaron "Mick" Crawford, a high school athlete who had spent days helping clean up from the historic flooding became the 38th person to die. . According to Crawford's family, the reason he, "went into cardiac arrest" , remains unknown. Last month, surging floods inundated communities, sweeping away homes in the Appalachian region. Last month, surging floods inundated communities, sweeping away homes in the Appalachian region. On August 11, Beshear said that the area was , “likely out of the emergency phase of responding to this disaster.”. However, Beshear has now increased pressure on FEMA to offer more assistance for people to rebuild their lives. However, Beshear has now increased pressure on FEMA to offer more assistance for people to rebuild their lives. According to Beshear, FEMA has turned down too many peoples' requests for assistance. The governor said that his concerns have been conveyed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and top administrators at FEMA. The governor said that his concerns have been conveyed to President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and top administrators at FEMA. Beshear criticized the application process, claiming that many flood victims are being denied assistance when lacking necessary documents. Beshear criticized the application process, claiming that many flood victims are being denied assistance when lacking necessary documents. In response, FEMA Press Secretary Jeremy Edwards said the agency is working to , “reduce barriers and cut red tape.”. In response, FEMA Press Secretary Jeremy Edwards said the agency is working to , “reduce barriers and cut red tape.”