Two new deaths have been confirmed Thursday, bringing the toll to 77 following last Friday and Saturday’s tornadoes in west Kentucky.
During his news conference, Governor Andy Beshear said one new death occurred in Lyon County, while the other was in Warren County.
Only one person remains missing statewide, an individual in Hopkins County.
More than 1,300 state workers are on the ground in west Kentucky, including 100 Kentucky State Police troopers and personnel, 20 individuals from the Division of Forestry, more than 600 employees from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and more than 600 National Guard members — which Beshear noted have specifically had to turn their duties from search-and-rescue to elsewhere.
Already, the News Edge listening area has experienced multiple incidents of looting following these voracious storms — particularly in Marshall County, Caldwell County and Dawson Springs — and Beshear noted those caught would likely face dire consequences.
More than 600 personnel from FEMA are on the ground, as well, while more than 600 displaced Kentuckians have almost filled seven state parks to near-or-full capacity.
Beshear also reported the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has eclipsed more than $18.3 million — with Pratt Paper owner/operator and Australian billionaire businessman Anthony Pratt recently making a $1 million donation.
Moving forward, Beshear said he plans to be in contact with other businesses like Pratt Paper, who might want to relocate or build anew in west Kentucky — in order to keep communities like Mayfield, Dawson Springs and Bremen thriving and alive.
