Dec 13,2021:Rescuers in the United States are desperately searching for survivors after a string of tornadoes killed dozens of people and obliterated homes and businesses in six midwestern states.
But authorities on Sunday said hopes of finding those missing alive was dwindling two days after the disaster struck.
Nowhere suffered as much as the small town of Mayfield, Kentucky, where Friday’s large twisters destroyed a candle factory and the fire and police stations.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear told reporters on Sunday evening that at least 80 people in his state were dead and the toll was eventually going to exceed 100, but he held out hope for “some miracles” even though it had been more than 24 hours since anyone was found alive in the rubble.
“The very first thing that we have to do is grieve together and we’re going to do that before we rebuild together,” Beshear told reporters, saying one tornado tore across 365km (227 miles) of terrain, almost all of that in Kentucky.
A company spokesman said there may be fewer deaths in Mayfield’s candle factory than previously feared.
Among the 110 people who were at the factory, eight have been confirmed dead, and eight others have not been located, leaving far fewer missing than had been reported earlier, said Bob Ferguson, a spokesperson for Mayfield Consumer Products.
“There were some early reports that as many as 70 could be dead in the factory. One is too many, but we thank God that the number is turning out to be far, far fewer,” Ferguson said.
It was unclear how many factory workers Beshear was counting in his estimate.
Across Mayfield, a town of 10,000 people in Kentucky’s southwestern corner, homes were flattened or missing roofs, giant trees had been uprooted, and street signs were mangled.
More than 300 members of the National Guard were also going door to door and removing debris. Teams were working to distribute water and generators.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency was opening shelters and sending teams and supplies, including 30,000 meals and 45,000 litres (12,000 gallons) of water.
The governor said the tornadoes were the most destructive in the state’s history and that even the sturdiest structures of steel and brick were flattened.
