The Scoop

(WATCH) Tornadoes Bring Death, Injuries And Severe Destruction Across Several States (VIDEO)

By • December 11, 2021 10:50 am

A horrific series of tornadoes slammed through Kentucky and neighboring states late Friday and early Saturday. More than 50 people are believed to have died as a result of the storms, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

He described the situation as “devastating” at a news conference early Saturday morning, adding that he had declared a state of emergency and activated 181 National Guard members to assist with rescue efforts.

“We believe our death toll from this event will exceed 50 Kentuckians and probably end up closer to 70 or 100 lost lives,” he added. “We will make it through this. We will rebuild, we are strong, resilient people.”

Beshear reported that four tornadoes had passed through the state, one of which remained on the ground for more than 200 miles after touching down. He estimated that almost 60,000 Kentuckians had been left without electricity.

In the city of Mayfield, Beshear said a roof collapsed at a candle factory which “had resulted in mass casualties”.

Later, he tweeted out a letter he had sent to President Joe Biden, in which he requested “an immediate federal emergency declaration.”

In another incident, an apparent tornado slammed the Monette Manor Nursing Home in Monette, Arkansas, killing one person and injuring five others, according to  Craighead County Judge Marvin Day. Initially, he reported that two persons had perished.

According to Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett, who spoke at the same news conference, the storm was a significant massive disaster event.

Dossett added, “All state resources are being brought to bear. It’ll be daybreak before we even realize the full magnitude of this event.”

Following the tragic tragedy, Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rand Paul of Kentucky offered words of support.

“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 requests for federal assistance in order to aid these hard-hit communities with the funding and resources they need to rebuild,” McConnell said.

“Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last night’s terrible storms. 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,” Paul said.

Tornado watches and warnings were issued for sections of Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee on Friday as well. The lights went off for about 180,000 utility customers in the five states early Saturday.

On Saturday morning, President Joe Biden stated that he had been briefed “on the devastating tornadoes across the central U.S.”

In a tweet, Biden said, “We’re working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue. To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy.”

In Edwardsville, Illinois, outside of St. Louis, there were multiple injuries and at least one death after a 100-foot portion of a wall at an Amazon facility collapsed partially, according to Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Edwardsville Fire Department officials.

According to the Obion County Sheriff’s Office, a potential tornado also slammed Samburg, Tennessee, where the local fire department was seriously destroyed, according to reports. It wasn’t immediately obvious whether anyone had been hurt.

Stay tuned to The Scoop for any updates.

Paul Aubert


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