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Horror and Hope in Kentucky
“As we sit here almost one week to the day after the worst tornado disaster the state has ever seen, we are digging out,” Governor Andy Beshear said Friday.
From a gut feeling that saved a man and his dog, to an “angel” rescuer who lifted rubble from a collapsing building so others could escape, to houses tossed like toys into the air, there have been stories of hope and terror out of Kentucky this week.
The hardest hit of several states, Kentucky so far claims 77 of the 90 total victims killed by a massive storm system that spawned a swarm of tornadoes last Friday. As of today, only one person remains missing. Officials initially feared there might be as many as 109.
As the National Guard and emergency aid workers continue their rescue and clean-up operation, hundreds of state employees from transportation and the forestry department have been working to clear roadways. Hauling away debris and clearing roads to admit heavy machinery to the areas most heavily damaged has been paramount this week.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visibly struggled to compose himself at a press conference Monday as he described scenes of devastation throughout his state. 12 children were among the victims, the youngest of whom was only 8-months old.