Tornado devastates Kentucky, over 100 dead in several states

A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky (USA) and it is feared that more than 100 people have died in that state in devastating tornadoes that ravaged towns in several US states.

The devastating tornadoes destroyed a candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, destroyed a nursing home in neighboring Missouri, and killed at least six workers at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said these were the most devastating tornadoes in the state's history. About 40 workers were rescued from the candle factory where more than 100 people were located, and Beshear stated that it would be a “miracle” if rescuers pull any more living workers from the rubble.

“There will likely be more than 100 lives lost here in Kentucky,” Beshear said at a press conference.

“Everything in their path is gone. Homes, businesses, government buildings – they are just gone,” Beshear said after surveying the area.

The governor declared a state of emergency in Kentucky on Saturday and requested urgent federal assistance for the state.

US President Joe Biden approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Kentucky. Biden told reporters on Saturday evening that he would task the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the connection between climate change and the storms, and raised questions about tornado warnings.

“Were there warnings? And were they strong enough, and was there a response to them?” Biden asked. “This is a tragedy. And we still don't know how many lives have been lost and the true extent of the damage,” Biden said.

Beshear said 189 National Guard members were on the ground, with rescue efforts focused on Mayfield, a town of 10,000 residents.

Unusually high temperatures and humidity created conditions for extreme weather at this time of year, said Victor Gensini, a professor of geographic and atmospheric sciences at Northern Illinois University.