Washington-Sana
The death toll from a devastating group of tornadoes that swept Kentucky and five other US states today has risen to more than 70.
Reuters quoted Andy Beer, Governor of Kentucky, as saying at a news conference that the hurricanes also caused the collapse of homes, factories and warehouses on a road that extended more than two hundred miles, adding that the death toll may end up exceeding 100 before the day was over.
Pierre noted that more than 56,000 residents of Kentucky had electricity, declaring a state of emergency in the state and deploying National Guard forces there.
He pointed out that about 110 people were in a candle factory in the area when the hurricane hit it and toppled its roof, causing a large number of casualties.
Keanna Parsons-Perez, who was at the factory, said the roof collapsed shortly after workers heard and felt the roar of the incoming wind.
Videos and photos posted on social media showed a number of buildings in downtown Mayfield reduced to rubble, as well as cars buried under rubble and debris, as well as photos on Twitter showing the tower of the Graves County Courthouse collapsed.
In a related context, the White House announced that US President Joe Biden directed to increase the federal resources for the sites most in need after a series of hurricanes and severe weather that swept seven US states.
Biden considered, in his tweet on Twitter, that the hurricanes that hit the center of the country, which left dozens of dead, are a tragedy unimaginable, noting that work is underway with state governors to ensure that they get what they need while continuing the search for survivors and assessments of damage.
And the Kentucky state authorities announced earlier today that at least 50 people died as a result of a strong tornado, while the US National Weather Service issued hurricane warnings for areas in several states, including Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois.
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