Death Toll Rises in Kentucky

The scene in Mayfield, Kentucky after homes and businesses were destroyed when a tornado ripped through the state.

Photo: Getty Images

Kentucky's governor says at least 74 people are dead after tornadoes tore through his state. Governor Andy Beshear said at least 109 are unaccounted for and cautioned the death toll is likely to rise. The governor says it's the deadliest and longest ever in the state, leaving a trail of damage almost 230-miles long. He added he's getting a lot of assistance from agencies in and out of his state. Tornadoes also tore through Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

President Biden will travel to tornado-ravaged Kentucky on Wednesday. After a White House meeting with homeland security and FEMA officials, Biden called the damage "devastating" and "pretty rough stuff."  He also used the word "stunning" and said his administration is fully committed to recovery from the deadly storms. Biden added -- "We're going to get this done, we're going to be there as long as it takes to help." The President also expressed concerns for survivors and their peace of mind.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says his home state of Kentucky has been devastated. Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell said entire towns were turned into rubble by the deadly weekend tornado in Kentucky. He called it the worst storm in his state during his lifetime. McConnell praised first responders and said families are trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. He thanked President Biden for approving an accelerated disaster declaration for Kentucky.

In this aerial view, homes and surrounding area are heavily damaged after they were hit by a tornado near Calvert City, Kentucky.

Photo: Getty Images


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