Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Efforts to assist those affected by flooding in at least seven Kentucky counties are being coordinated by women religious within the Archdiocese of Louisville. The state is also preparing for another winter storm.

Water By Women, an organization led by Ursuline Sister of Mount St. Joseph Larraine Lauter, focuses on water purification and is sending water filters to impacted communities. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Disaster Relief Team is gathering both in-kind and financial donations.

The National Weather Service has reported that heavy rainfall over recent days, including three to six inches from February 15-16, has resulted in severe flooding across several areas.

Governor Andy Beshear stated that as of February 18, 14 people had died due to weather-related incidents and flooding in Kentucky. He described this event as one of the worst weather disasters the Commonwealth has experienced in a decade.

Sister Lauter mentioned her collaboration with the local YMCA in Pikeville, Kentucky, to organize relief efforts involving Sawyer PointOne water filtration systems for victims. As co-founder and executive director of Water By Women, she encourages people to pray for those affected by the floods. Information on contributing can be found at waterbywomen.org.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are collecting new clothing, baby formula, blankets, and nonperishable food items for those in need. Donations can be dropped off at O’Connell Hall in Nazareth, Kentucky by February 20 or made online at nazareth.org/disaster-relief/.