Alongside the residents affected by the Kentucky tornado disaster, Gov. Andy Beshear said that he also lost family members to the powerful natural calamity. Holding back tears during a press conference, Beshear apologized for the rush of emotions as he learned his uncle and some cousins perished in the disaster.
The governor confirmed that half of Dawson Springs, where his father grew up, "doesn't exist anymore" and declared a state of emergency in Kentucky. His government has also immediately set up the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, through kind donations from all over the U.S., to help with the funeral expenses for dozens of families and assist residents in their efforts to rebuild what has been left of their properties.
During the press conference, Beshear confirmed that 64 have died in the aftermath, but hundreds are still lost in the rubble and are feared dead. The people who perished ranged from five months old to 86 years old, and at least six were younger than 18 years old. All around them were dead livestock and crushed livelihood, with survivors still uncertain how to proceed next.
Yesterday I returned to Dawson Springs, my Dad's hometown. One block from my grandparents', there is no house standing. It's heartbreaking. To every family mourning, know the entire commonwealth is standing with you – you have our support and you have our prayers. pic.twitter.com/aWZXtcr8xz
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 12, 2021
Youngest Kentucky Tornado Victim
At the hospital, a two-month-old baby from Dawson Springs succumbed to her injuries from the Kentucky tornado. The parents of Oaklynn Koon, Douglas and Jackie Koon, are devastated and still in disbelief about what happened.
According to reports, the baby experienced multiple seizures during her two-day stay at the hospital after she suffered a head injury. Doctors told the parents that she likely had a stroke.
The Koon family were huddled and taking cover in their bathroom when the Kentucky tornado struck on the evening of December 10. Oaklynn was strapped in her car seat, but the family said they were "sent flying" to their neighbor's house because of the sheer force of nature's wrath.
Oaklynn's brother had to be treated in the hospital, but he was released the following day. Their house, on the other hand, has been completely obliterated.
State Parks Open for Families
Meanwhile, Beshear said that families who lost everything could stay at several state parks for the next two weeks as these have been opened for sheltering the victims. The governor said that the children would be fed while the adults look for relatives or clean up their properties to rebuild their homes.
The Kentucky tornado ripped through several paths, leaving damages and bodies in Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee. Pres. Joe Biden has also approved grants and loans for those affected under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On the other hand, Rescuers have been going house-to-house to retrieve those who are trapped. The tornado did not crush some homes, but there will be no power in the communities for a few more weeks.
Elsewhere in the U.S. and worldwide, fundraisers for the victims have been activated. Those who want to help may send in their donations through the American Red Cross, the CARE non-profit in Atlanta, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the disaster relief organization Global Empowerment Mission in Miami, the Salvation Army, and the Save the Children foundation in Connecticut.
