After tornadoes devastated 200 miles of Kentucky on Friday night and Saturday, teams in western Kentucky are digging through debris to find survivors and bodies.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear stated Tuesday that 74 people had been confirmed dead, and more than 100 are still unaccounted for.
Beshear stated, “I still expect that at least some additional bodies will be found,” “There is so much destruction. Although I wish that this is not true, it is still an expectation.
Some people may still die from injuries, such as the baby governor claimed was only found alive a few days later.
Twelve of the 74 victims who died were children. The victims identified range from 2 months old to 98 years.
Continued cleanup efforts are underway. The aftermath of the disaster showed Mayfield in total destruction, with buildings ripped to pieces as far as the eye could detect.
Beshear stated that there is something therapeutic in taking out the chaos, destruction and death and cleaning up the debris.
According to the governor, they have enough volunteers at present, but anyone who wants to help should donate blood. According to the Red Cross, it is facing the worst national blood shortage in more than a decade. According to the Kentucky Blood Center, blood requirements at western Kentucky hospitals have been met. However, they encourage donations during the holidays.
The tornado decimated the candle factory of Mayfield Consumer Products, which employed 110 workers on a night shift. Eight employees were confirmed dead, which is far less than the original estimates. All other workers are still alive and well, according to the company. Officials have not confirmed the count of the company, according to the governor. However, cadaver dogs that have been searching the wreckage for additional clues have not made any further discoveries.
According to news reports, employees were instructed not to leave the factory when there were storm warnings. Beshear stated that these allegations would be investigated as the state “looks into all fatalities at work.”
Thousands of people are now homeless in the state. The state’s emergency responders are working hard to provide shelter, food, and water. The number of homes that have been destroyed is not yet known, but the governor has estimated it to be well over 1,000. At least 18,500 people are without power in the state.
The relief fund has received more than 66,000 donations totaling more than $9.89million. Beshear stated that “every bit” will go to these families.
Over the weekend, tornadoes caused severe damage and death in some parts of Illinois and Tennessee as well as Missouri, Missouri, and Arkansas. There were at least 14 deaths across the four states. Six of them occurred at an Amazon warehouse located in Edwardsville (Ill.), just outside St. Louis. Officials of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration confirmed Monday that they would be investigating the incident.
