KENTUCKY — The communities of Bowling Green and Mayfield are reeling after long-tracking tornadoes ravaged many parts of western Kentucky. As of 11 a.m. Saturday, at least 70 deaths have been confirmed.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency and requested federal aid from the White House, which he said should be confirmed soon. Hundreds of Kentucky National Guard members and first responders have been deployed to the hardest hit areas.
What You Need To Know
- Tornadoes devastated Bowling Green and Mayfield, leading to a federal request for aid from Gov. Andy Beshear
- Other local politicians like Sen. Mitch McConnell are supporting that push
- At least 70 deaths from 10 different counties have been confirmed
- President Joe Biden has been briefed on the destruction in Kentucky and other states caused by Friday’s tornadoes
U.S. Senator Rand Paul, who lives in Bowling Green, said the damage being found is heart-breaking.
“Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last night’s terrible storms,” Paul said in a statement. “I and my team will do all we can to assist local and state officials as they lead the immediate response, and will aggressively help families, businesses, and officials access recovery resources.”
Kentucky’s senior senator Mitch McConnell also offered support in the wake of the tornadoes, thanking first responders for their brave efforts amid the tragedy.
“I am praying for the lives lost and communities impacted by the tornado devastation throughout the Commonwealth,” McConnell said. “As I continue to get reports from my staff, local and state officials, we will work with the entire Kentucky federal delegation to support Governor Andy Beshear’s request for federal assistance in order to aid these hard-hit communities with the funding and resources they need to rebuild.”
The event caused significant damage to Kentucky’s agricultural infrastructure, Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles said Saturday.
“I join fellow Kentuckians in praying for those who’ve lost loved ones to these devastating tornadoes,” Quarles added. “At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we are working with other agencies and stand ready to assist in the response.”
President Joe Biden was briefed on the devastation in the area, and said he’s working with Gov. Beshear and other governors “to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.”
The tornado that rolled through Mayfield tore through a candle factory, which collapsed and trapped many working inside. Gov. Andy Beshear said there hasn’t been a successful rescue from that factory since 3 a.m.
