2 Louisville families told to abandon homes sliding into Harrods Creek after recent flooding

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The owners of two homes near Prospect were told to evacuate Sunday after first responders found the land was falling into Harrods Creek.

Louisville Metro Emergency Services said Monday the homes on Lynnhall Court, just off US 42 north of Interstate 265, were built on land that is now "sliding into Harrods Creek," a result of days of recent rain that rose the creek well out of its banks.

Anchorage Middletown firefighters assessed the area Sunday and told the homeowners at 8703 and 8711 Lynnhall Court it was no longer safe to be there. Also, Louisville Gas & Electric technicians had to respond to the area because of an electric pole that fell Sunday evening and needed to be secured.

Despite the city saying the homes weren't safe, one of the families living there decided not to evacuate. Anthony and Cheryl Buckley said while firefighters recommended they leave, a building inspector didn't condemn the home, a big reason why they've chosen to stay.

"It's my home," Cheryl Buckley said. "... It's just the fact that everything I have — especially the last 20 years — has been put into this house. And I just can't let go like that."

The Buckleys rushed home from vacation in Florida after getting a call saying their backyard was gone.

"It's more than horrible," Cheryl Buckley said. "It's like 'Oh my gosh, we could get up tomorrow and our house could go down the river.' You have these thoughts."

Cracks in concrete and dirt in the area were marked by first responders so they can be tracked. And Louisville emergency officials said they've been in contact Monday with the Natural Resources Conservation Services to develop next steps.

The American Red Cross is helping the displaced families while officials investigate the damage, stability of the soil and more.

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