"Floods devastated Eastern Kentucky in July. Now, a community wants to hold Blackhawk Mining accountable for its possible role in the disaster."
"At least 39 people were killed during the heavy rains and subsequent flooding that hammered Eastern Kentucky at the end of July. In addition to the lives lost, the devastating inundation and accompanying debris destroyed cars, homes, and other infrastructure. It could be months before utilities like water and electric are fully restored to parts of the state, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Now, a group of the survivors are hoping to hold a mining company accountable for its possible role in the devastation. Fifty-nine residents of the unincorporated community of Lost Creek, Kentucky have signed onto a lawsuit against Blackhawk Mining and the company’s local subsidiary, Pine Branch Mining.
The plaintiffs, many of whom are now homeless, claim that the mining operations and Blackhawk’s negligence contributed to the severity of the flooding and the damages they’ve suffered as a result. Blackhawk did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s phone and email requests for comment.
The suit was filed on Monday, according to Breathitt County Circuit Court records obtained by Gizmodo and initially reported on by NBC News."
Lauren Leffer reports for Earther August 24, 2022.
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