With major flooding occurring in Hopkinsville and Christian County, and with only more rain on the way, officials with City and County governments hosted a press conference Friday afternoon detailing rescue efforts.
Flooding has been widespread across Christian County and numerous rescue operations have been conducted, with many of those happening in Hopkinsville, particularly in the areas of North Drive and Glass Avenue, Bell Street, Barrow Street and numerous others. Hopkinsville Fire Department Chief Steve Futrell says fire firefighters, law enforcement and rescue team members have been running non-stop since early Friday morning, with over 12 individuals evacuated from their homes.
Nearly 50 pets were rescued from a rapidly flooding Pet Lodge on North Drive—unfortunately, one dog did not make it, though no citizens have been injured so far.
Christian County Emergency Management Director Randy Graham says the situation is only likely to get worse, with several more inches set to fall on already flooded areas.
Water has just exploded out of Little River at many locations, such as downtown Hopkinsville behind the Christian County Justice Center and the Christian County Jail. The water managed to reach back behind the jail, but Christian County Jailer Adam Smith says, as of Friday afternoon, no water had made into parts of the jail where inmates are housed.
He says they are ready with plans to keep those incarcerated safe, if they end up needing to evacuate them, and they’re working to mitigate flooding issues.
Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight thanked the numerous first responder agencies for their dedication to the citizens of Hopkinsville, and he urged everyone to stay weather aware, because many of the local reservoirs are already full.
Chief Futrell says they’ll take this brief lull in the rain to rest and recover, and they do have mutual aid ready to help when they call, saying their community partners are tremendous.
A Red Cross shelter was opening at 4 p.m. Friday at St. John Methodist Church for those who have been displaced due to the flooding, where it has a 100 person capacity at this time, while some hotels have offered their services as well.
Listen to whole conference below: