Tornadoes and severe storms swept across parts of Kentucky and Missouri overnight, leaving at least 27 people dead and destroying entire neighbourhoods. Officials say the death toll may rise as search-and-rescue operations continue in flattened neighbourhoods and debris-littered streets.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed 18 deaths in the state as of Saturday evening, including one first responder. Beshear called the tornado “a devastating tornado that tore through a subdivision in the middle of the night, and that is the worst kind of disaster.”
Most of the fatalities occurred in Laurel County, in southeastern Kentucky. He acknowledged that the death toll could rise as more victims are identified.
One of the victims was Major Roger Leslie Leatherman in Laurel County, who died in the line of duty. “We lost one of our own,” Beshear said.
London Mayor Randall Weddle said at least 23 people have died in the city. “We are hopeful that it will stay there until this disaster and recovery period is over,” he said.
Power outages affected thousands of residents across Kentucky, complicating communication and rescue efforts. FEMA remains on the ground to assist with recovery.
In Missouri, at least seven people have been confirmed dead, and five in the St. Louis area. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer described the scene as “truly tremendous” and “heartbreaking,” with more than 5,000 buildings impacted by the storms.
“The devastation is truly heartbreaking,” Spencer said. Over 30 people were injured, and authorities have imposed a citywide curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to protect residents from downed power lines and prevent looting.
Emergency crews are still combing through wreckage, and officials urged the public to avoid affected zones. Entire blocks in some neighbourhoods were left unrecognizable, with power lines tangled in uprooted trees and debris scattered across roads.
In February and April, Kentucky was hit by severe flooding and storms, prompting early FEMA deployments.
With neighbourhoods in ruins and thousands without power, the road to recovery will be long and difficult.
“This community has been hit hard,” said Mayor Weddle. “But we’re resilient. We will rebuild, and we’ll do it together.”
Our hearts and thoughts are with the families affected by the devastating storms and with all those working tirelessly in the aftermath.