Samaritan's Purse Helping Suffering Families in Kentucky and West Virginia After Deadly Flooding

BOONE, N.C., Feb. 22, 2025—Samaritan's Purse deployed disaster relief specialists last weekend, along with a Disaster Relief Unit—a tractor-trailer stocked with essential tools and equipment—to Pikeville, Kentucky, following a historic storm system that unleashed deadly flooding across southern Appalachia. In Kentucky, all 120 counties have reported varying degrees of flooding from the deadly storm that killed more than a dozen people and resulted in hundreds of water rescues.

An initial team from Samaritan's Purse arrived in the area on February 16 to assess the hardest-hit communities and coordinate with local emergency management officials and churches. On Tuesday, additional personnel and equipment were deployed to expand relief efforts.

“Last week, many communities across Kentucky and West Virginia faced devastating floods that left a trail of death and destruction,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “I know these will be difficult days for countless families and my heart breaks for those who are grieving the deaths of their loved ones. Please join me in praying for them and for our Samaritan's Purse teams who are responding in Jesus' Name.”

As the latest winter weather system moved through flood-ravaged communities—resulting in mass power outages—Samaritan's Purse began distributing generators, heaters, and winter supplies to those in desperate need.

Now Samaritan's Purse volunteers from across the country are working alongside affected families in Kentucky and West Virginia—clearing downed trees and removing mud and debris from homes. These volunteers will serve as a reminder that even during this tragic time, God has not forgotten them.

Samaritan's Purse is no stranger to these communities. Just over two years ago, the international Christian relief organization responded to catastrophic flooding in Kentucky that claimed 43 lives. Once again, Samaritan's Purse stands ready to serve and bring hope to those suffering in the region.

Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by Present and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, poverty, famine, and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org/espanol.