Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at the press conference on Sunday
The US government has approved an emergency declaration for the state of Kentucky after a devastating swarm of tornados that killed around 70 in the state alone. President Joe Biden has ordered federal aid to the afflicted state even as the death toll in the state is projected to cross 100.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending emergency response personnel, water and other needed commodities to seven states affected, and Biden has ordered a surge of resources to locations with the greatest need that will make other federal resources and personnel available.
Approximately 30 tornadoes touched down on Saturday, with Kentucky seeing a large twister cutting a path of devastation over 300 km that destroyed homes and business, leaving survivors trapped under rubble. A candle factory in Kentucky was destroyed and an Amazon warehouse in Illinois collapsed, killing six workers.
President Biden was questioned on the role of climate change in the current tragedy, which he said would be investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Scientists have pointed out that the super cell that formed the tornadoes was unusual for the colder weather months. Unusually high temperatures propelled the twister formation and are now being followed by cold, with dozens of people left homeless by the tornadoes.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the collection of tornadoes was the most destructive in the state's history.
"The devastation is unlike anything I have seen in my life and I have trouble putting it into words," Beshear said at a press conference. "It's very likely going to be over 100 people lost here in Kentucky."