MAYFIELD, Ky. – The death toll from a series of tornadoes that roared across five states rose Sunday as somber rescuers picked through the rubble of shattered buildings and communities, searching for survivors and remains.
More than 30 tornadoes were reported late Friday and early Saturday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Kentucky was hardest hit, with 50 confirmed fatalities early Sunday, but scores more people were missing and feared dead after a tornado here destroyed a candle factory where more than 100 people were inside.
In Illinois, at least six people were killed when a tornado ripped through an Amazon warehouse north of St. Louis. Four deaths were confirmed in Tennessee and two each in Arkansas and Missouri.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday more than 100 people probably died in his state alone, including at least two of his own relatives. Entire towns were flattened by the twisters, he said. Emergency responders went door-to-door looking for survivors – although in some cases "there aren't doors," he said.
He said several children were among the dead.
"I know we lost a number of kids," Beshear said on the CBS show "Face the Nation." "This tornado did not discriminate. Anybody in its path, even if they were trying to be safe."
The federal government declared a state of emergency for Kentucky, and the state National Guard deployed at least 300 members over nine counties, Beshear said Sunday.
"We are still hoping, as we move forward, for some miracles,” he said.
'We were trapped.' Kentucky candle factory survivors recount escape from deadly tornado
Chainsaws and bulldozers buzzed Sunday in some twister-ravaged neighborhoods. A downtown drug store had power with the help of a generator; temporary bathrooms were set up and a food truck was serving chicken. Smashed churches held Sunday services in loaner chapels.
As more aid arrived from individuals, groups and government agencies, some relatives with still unaccounted-for loved one turned up at a Kentucky State Police site to provide information for identification, hinting at what may be rising death toll.
Beshear struggled to capture the scope of the disaster.
"We're going to have over 1,000 homes that are just gone," he said Sunday at a news conference. "I don't think we've had damage at this scale ever."
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