People in the Lost Creek community of Breathitt County have filed a lawsuit against coal mining companies in the area after the historic flooding that occurred in July.

Nearly 60 members of the community are suing Blackhawk Mining and Pine Beach. The lawsuit alleges negligence from both companies that contributed to flood damage.

Attorneys for the community said the companies failed to properly maintain silt ponds, leading to debris, fish and silt flowing into properties during flooding.

According to the lawsuit, this would be a violation of the Kentucky Administrative Regulation 20:060, which prohibits these materials and matter from escaping the permitted area.