The next extreme floods could be even worse, a new study shows. But there's a way to prevent that

By Rachel Ramirez, CNN

Updated 10:59 AM ET, Wed August 3, 2022

Teresa Reynolds sits exhausted as members of her community clean debris from flood-ravaged homes in Hindman, Kentucky, on Saturday, July 30.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Teresa Reynolds sits exhausted as members of her community clean debris from flood-ravaged homes in Hindman, Kentucky, on Saturday, July 30.
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Members of a search-and-rescue team wade through the debris-filled Troublesome Creek after a search dog detected the scent of a potential victim in Perry County, Kentucky, on Sunday.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Members of a search-and-rescue team wade through the debris-filled Troublesome Creek after a search dog detected the scent of a potential victim in Perry County, Kentucky, on Sunday.
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Command Sgt. Maj. Tim Lewis of the Kentucky National Guard secures Candace Spencer and her son Wyatt after being airlifted from South Fork, Kentucky, on Saturday.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Command Sgt. Maj. Tim Lewis of the Kentucky National Guard secures Candace Spencer and her son Wyatt after being airlifted from South Fork, Kentucky, on Saturday.
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Karen Daugherty holds her head in her hands during a service at the Gospel Light Church in Hazard, Kentucky. Daugherty is staying with her family in the church, which has been set up as a shelter.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Karen Daugherty holds her head in her hands during a service at the Gospel Light Church in Hazard, Kentucky. Daugherty is staying with her family in the church, which has been set up as a shelter.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks to the media Sunday in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Behind him are Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft, left, and state Rep. Angie Hatton.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks to the media Sunday in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Behind him are Whitesburg Mayor Tiffany Craft, left, and state Rep. Angie Hatton.
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Crew members work to restore power lines near Hindman on Saturday.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Crew members work to restore power lines near Hindman on Saturday.
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A member of the Kentucky National Guard looks for flood victims near a creek in Fisty, Kentucky, on Saturday.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
A member of the Kentucky National Guard looks for flood victims near a creek in Fisty, Kentucky, on Saturday.
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Flood damage is visible as the Kentucky National Guard flies over Buckhorn, Kentucky, on Saturday.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Flood damage is visible as the Kentucky National Guard flies over Buckhorn, Kentucky, on Saturday.
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Terry Hatworth tries to wash mud off Earl Wallen's porch in Garrett, Kentucky, on Friday. The tiny town was without clean water.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
Terry Hatworth tries to wash mud off Earl Wallen's porch in Garrett, Kentucky, on Friday. The tiny town was without clean water.
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A Perry County school bus sits in floodwaters in Ned, Kentucky, on Friday.
Photos: Catastrophic flooding in Kentucky
A Perry County school bus sits in floodwaters in Ned, Kentucky, on Friday.
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