In Appalachia’s flood-ravaged areas, residents look to rebuild on higher ground

Devastating floods repeatedly struck eastern Kentucky in 2021, 2022, and 2025, each considered a "thousand-year flood." These floods caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands and highlighting the region's vulnerability. The recurring disasters expose inadequate warning systems and the challenges of rebuilding in flood-prone areas. A pre-existing housing crisis worsened dramatically, with thousands of homes damaged or destroyed, leaving many without adequate shelter. The lack of affordable housing options and the high cost of land hinder recovery efforts. Many lacked flood insurance, and federal aid often proved insufficient to cover rebuilding costs. Land ownership patterns, including large corporate holdings and family attachments to land, complicate acquiring suitable building sites. The slow pace of government-funded housing projects exacerbates the ongoing housing crisis. Despite significant funding, few new homes have been built on higher ground, leaving many residents facing repeated flood risks.