Hazard looks to rebuild after devastating floods

HAZARD, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The town of Hazard was hit by some of the worst flooding the town has seen in years. Now, the cleanup process begins.

“It’s just utter devastation,” Assistant County Attorney Sam Collins said.

Business owners are working to rebuild after nearly five feet of flood water filled their buildings.

The Hazard football team spent their day off school helping a fellow teammate’s family clean their business.

“I think everyone has come together, and I think it shows how big of a family our small town is,” Gavin Johnson, son of lawyer Kevin Johnson said.

“There’s a complete sense of helplessness, because once the water gets to a certain point, there’s nothing you can do,” Collins said.

All that is left is mud, debris and ruin. There is a lot of work ahead.

“All you can do is look at it and think what in the world are we going to do,” Collins said.

He adds that people in Hazard have each other’s backs.

“It’s what we do here, it’s what we did three years ago, it’s what we’ll do next time,” he said