Kentucky [US]: A major flooding crisis is unfolding across Carroll County and Frankfort after ten floodgates at Dix’s Dam were accidentally opened, causing the Kentucky River to swell dangerously and prompting mandatory evacuation orders.
Evacuation Orders Issued in Carroll County
In a video message on Sunday, Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams confirmed the “accidental” release of the dam floodgates, calling the situation worse than the 1937 floods.
“This release exceeds any data we have in past history. The impact will be greater than what we’ve ever seen along the Kentucky River corridor,” Adams warned.
Communities Ordered to Evacuate:
- Prestonsville
- Greensbottom
- Happy Hollow
- Blue Lick
- Lock Number 1 Road residents
- Lower Mason Street residents
Carroll County Emergency Management Director Mike Ratliff emphasized the seriousness of the threat, urging residents to evacuate immediately.
“If you fail to evacuate, there is no guarantee that resources exist to rescue you,” Ratliff stated.
City Hall is now operating as the Emergency Operations Center.
Frankfort Braces for Record Water Levels
In Frankfort, officials are on high alert as the Kentucky River is expected to crest at 49.5 feet, the highest level ever recorded in the city’s history, according to WLKY.
Areas at risk include:
- South Frankfort
- North Frankfort
- Holmes Street
- Bellepoint
- Compton Drive in Blanton Acres
Residents in low-lying zones have been urged to remain vigilant and prepare for possible evacuations.
Federal Help on the Way
In response to the escalating crisis, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Kentucky, activating FEMA resources to support state and local agencies.
“Federal resources – including meals, water, generators, and search-and-rescue teams – are in position and ready to deploy,” officials confirmed.
Meanwhile, volunteers in flood-hit areas like Monterey, KY, are using kayaks to deliver emergency supplies to stranded residents.
