Disasters And Disorganization: The Flood Of 2022 In Eastern Kentucky And The Struggles That Linger

In July of 2022, a generational flood washed out many small communities across 13 Kentucky counties in Central Appalachia. This disaster, like previous disasters, uncovered structural and socioeconomic issues perpetuated by those in power that were hidden from the outside world. Minimal news coverage of the flood damage created the impression that aid has been substantial, and towns have been rebuilt. This ethnographic research, carried out in 2023 in Letcher County, reveals extensive damage and long-term consequences for the region. Through a series of interviews with residents of the county, this paper examines the disaster, the structural context in which it occurred, and it’s socio-economic and psychic effects on communities. This paper also situates these inquiries in relevant criminological and sociological theories. Results offered complex and at times contradictory statements and beliefs. Residents highlighted structural mistakes made by government entities, which they attributed in part to the broader history of exploitation and misrepresentation of the region. While some of these responses revealed a sense of despair, respondents also expressed a sense of hope, and unbreakable pride in being from Appalachia.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Justice Studies

Year

2024

Author dc:creator

• Hutchens, Justin

• Criminology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Sociology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/837

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1835