Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news conference Saturday afternoon that at least 70 people have died following the “most severe tornado event in Kentucky’s history.” Mayfield, Kentucky, has been affected most severely.
“This is the most devastating, most deadly tornado event in Kentucky’s history,” Beshear said of the storm that tore through the area Dec. 10 and 11.
He declared a state of emergency Friday, and every resource is being deployed, he said. The National Guard is being positioned to search for survivors in multiple counties.
More than 300 guardsmen had been activated as of early Sunday.
“The National Guard is here to support in any way that we can,” said Spc. Jonah Crockett, from the 301st Chemical Battalion, “and we have worked alongside multiple fire departments and police departments. Everyone has been working together during this dark time.”
Crockett is part of the Kentucky National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) team working together with the community of Mayfield, Kentucky, for disaster relief.
The CERFP has the experience and equipment to provide a full spectrum of disaster-response and recovery operations, from medical evacuations to explosive ordnance disposal.
The Guard is providing military assistance and disaster relief, rescue and recovery capabilities as directed by the governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to help Mayfield and surrounding counties.
The Guard has brought many special capabilities and resources such as: special tactics pararescue, contingency response, critical care air transport teams, a fatality search and recovery team, and a CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package.
“We have been here since 8 a.m. this morning,” said Capt. Safety Officer Tiffany Newcomb, of the Salem (Kentucky) Fire Department. “We started looking through fallen houses downtown and then moved over here to the candle factory to help with search and rescue.”
Newcomb said guardsmen brought dogs and rescue teams to aid in the search.
“They have jumped in and helped in any way they can. Several guard members are downtown as well cutting trees and clearing roads just doing what has to be done,” she said.
Sgt. Justin Sims, of the 438th Military Police Co., said they want to ensure everyone is safe “with all of the downed power lines and trees,” as well as helping people get in and out of the area.
“Many of the roads are blocked off and so MP’s have helped secure the roads and let authorized personnel in so they can continue the mission,” Sims said.
Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Hendersonville, Mayfield, Salem fire departments are among those aiding in search and rescue operations, according to Newcomb.
“Everyone has been working tirelessly to try and help this community,” she said.
President Joe Biden declared an emergency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and ordered federal assistance to supplement the Commonwealth.
The ongoing search and rescue mission is still being carried out by first responders and the National Guard.
Those interested in donating to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund can do so online.
Local volunteers should call 211.
This story was written by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Spc. Harrison Moore and originally appeared on DVIDS.
