BOSTON, Ky. – After nearly a week of heavy rainfall, floodwaters have caused widespread damage across Kentucky and southern Indiana, with rural communities in Nelson County particularly hard hit. In the small town of Boston, located between Elizabethtown and Bardstown along US 62, the rising waters forced residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter at the local school.
From April 4 to April 7, Nelson County emergency responders conducted 60 rescues and evacuations, struggling to navigate impassable roads and submerged fields. The town, often overlooked by outsiders, has now become a symbol of resilience in the face of nature’s fury. For lifelong resident Jonathan Curtsinger, the events of the past week have reinforced his deep ties to the place he calls home.
“I’ve always wondered how people can just pack up and move away, because I couldn’t imagine leaving my town,” Curtsinger said on Tuesday. “This is home, no matter what.”
As floodwaters surged, many homes in Boston faced severe damage, while others escaped with only minor impacts. Despite the challenges, the tight-knit community came together to help one another. Rescue crews from Georgia and the National Guard were deployed to assist, but it was the people of Boston who took the lead, offering invaluable local knowledge to the out-of-state responders.
“They didn’t know where they were going, so we just tried to help them and save time,” Curtsinger explained. “It was just the thing to do.”
In the wake of the storm, floodwaters reached such heights that boats became the only means of transportation through some of the worst-hit areas. Curtsinger and his neighbors, unwilling to stand by as floodwaters crept into homes, quickly mobilized their boats to evacuate stranded residents.
The floodwaters have caused significant disruption, leaving major roads impassable and making many areas unreachable by traditional rescue methods. However, the sense of community and the determination to help neighbors have stood out in this difficult time. Local residents, armed with boats and a willingness to lend a hand, have become an unexpected but crucial lifeline in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
As the floodwaters begin to recede, the focus now shifts to recovery efforts. In addition to the emergency responders and National Guard troops, local officials are working around the clock to assist with rebuilding efforts, assessing damages, and providing resources to displaced families. While much work remains, the collective spirit of Boston’s residents continues to shine through.
For Curtsinger, this experience has only deepened his connection to the town he’s always called home. “No matter what, we’re all in this together,” he said. “And we’ll get through it as a community, just like we always do.”
As Boston and the surrounding areas recover from the devastating flood, the courage, unity, and selflessness of its people serve as a reminder of the power of community in times of crisis.
