Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Sunday that widespread damage is making rescue efforts a challenge in his state after tornadoes swept through the region two days ago.
"I've got towns that are gone," Beshear said on CNN's "State of the Union" program. "My dad's home town, Paxton, isn't standing. It is hard to describe."
The devastation goes on for a dozen blocks in some places and there are many people without power, he said. The state has a strong rescue effort in place, he said, but the damage is prohibitive and it will take time."You think you can go door to door to check on people and see if they're OK - there are no doors. The question is, is somebody in the rubble of thousands upon thousands of structures?" he said. "It is devastating.
Deanne Criswell, administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, told CNN rescue efforts are ongoing across the region and there is still hope to find survivors. She and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas planned to head to the region on Sunday.Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Will Dunham and Daniel WallisSubscribe for our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your inbox.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Absolutely devastating': Kentucky governor details tornado aftermathBeshear said that in Kentucky, a candle factory collapsed and one town was almost 'decimated.'
Read more »
'I've got towns that are gone': Kentucky governor describes carnage left by tornadoes'I know we've lost more than 80 Kentuckians. That number is going to exceed more than 100. This is the deadliest tornado event we've ever had,' says Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on the tornado aftermath
Read more »
Kentucky governor says he fears that at least 70 people have died due to the stormsKentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says at least 70 are dead and parts of some towns 'are just gone' after tornadoes barreled through his state overnight
Read more »
At least 70 feared dead in Kentucky as tornadoes rip through swaths of U.S.At least 50 people are feared dead after tornadoes ripped through Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said Saturday. Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois were also hit by severe weather.
Read more »
Kentucky Governor Expects ‘Multiple Fatalities’ After Tornado Blows Through CityKentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he expected dozens of fatalities after a tornado blew through the city of Mayfield in southwestern Kentucky.
Read more »