Travis Walker, front, and Zack Folden, back, carry bags of animal food into the former Barren County Detention Center along Ford Drive in Glasgow on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Several people joined together to help BRAWA and over 20 animals during an emergent evacuation Tuesday morning during widespread flooding.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — What started as a dangerous and disastrous morning Tuesday led to a community’s outpouring of selflessness and love.
Flood waters continued to rise early Tuesday after a significant system of rain and thunderstorms crashed across much of the southcentral Kentucky region.
Glasgow’s Trojan Trail was heavily impacted.
The Barren River Animal Welfare Association’s building on the south end of the roadway flooded three years ago. It began to flood Tuesday, and BRAWA crews knew animals needed to be moved – very quick.
The Glasgow Police Department, Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation helped move over 20 animals from the shelter to the former Barren County Detention Center along Ford Drive.
The whimpering, wet and scared animals were walked out of the building and placed in vehicles before they were transported.
“These animals are stressed,” said someone assisting at the scene, Molly Taylor.
Several community members began pouring out support by bringing items to the makeshift shelter’s location. Several items of animal food, water, bleach and newspapers were donated.
Chris Walker and his family were some of many that appeared at the Ford Drive location. Walker said his family saw the plea for help on social media.
“Animals are people too, and they need help,” Walker said. “Just trying to do my part.”
Walker’s son Travis and another person, Zack Folden, helped unload several cases of water and dog food.
Several roadways were flooded. In fact, the Barren County Road Department ran out of blockades and signs due to the number of impassable roads.
“It got real bad. My son got on the bus this morning and ended up getting stuck at Eastern and didn’t know how they was going to get him out,” Walker said. “They finally got them over to the middle school, and I went and picked him up.”
The need continues, according to a BRAWA spokesperson.
Monetary donations are being sought to assist in cleanup efforts at the Trojan Trail location. Volunteers and BRAWA crews said the need was met with supplies, but the shelter needs money to continue its efforts.
Trojan Trail’s flooding has receded as of 2 p.m. Tuesday. BRAWA personnel were cleaning at the shelter through the afternoon. Water stood in the greater parts of the building and kennels.
To donate, drop off money or items at BRAWA, which is located at 175 Trojan Trail in Glasgow.
Emergency crews worked diligently through most of Tuesday morning. Some city roadways were impassable in the early hours, but those roads were cleared as the day progressed.
More heavy rainfall is expected through Tuesday evening into Wednesday. A flash flood watch remains in effect through 4 a.m. Wednesday.