natural disasters

Newly published research shows Kentucky has some of the most disaster-plagued counties in America.

While Tennessee has seen deadly floods, ice storms and lingering droughts in recent years, wind was the source of destruction for every disaster in 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which estimates that these thunderstorms or tornadoes caused between $2 and $5 billion in damages across the state.

After nearly every federally declared disaster, large, politically connected companies swoop in and secure lucrative cleanup contracts. Last year's flooding in eastern Kentucky was no different. Researchers and federal investigators have flagged these contracts as rife with opportunities for fraud and wasteful spending.

Officials from communities across the state are contributing to a new disaster preparedness resource being developed by the Kentucky League of Cities to better share know-how gained from leading their cities and counties through natural, financial and cyber disasters.

Months and years down the line, long after the immediate crisis, survivors will be coping with their experiences of loss from natural disasters, events that are made more likely from a warming climate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized the Kentucky Department of Public Health for its preparedness. The CDC gave the state a high…