Local, state officials deliver message of hope after tornado rips through southern Kentucky

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — Less than 24 hours after a tornado tore through southern Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear and other local and state officials delivered a message of hope and resiliency in a Laurel County news conference.

“At times like this, when things seem darkest, is when you see humanity shine its brightest,” said the governor.

According to officials, nearly 20 people are dead and countless people are displaced.

The governor said this was one of the worst disasters he’s ever seen.

“It’s one of the worst in terms of the loss of human life. It’s one of the worst in terms of damage. It’s tough to look at one home that doesn’t have a shred left. And you know that person didn’t make it. And then another home a block away, that looks like it is completely untouched,” said Beshear.

Many are wondering where to go and what to do next. Beshear and other local officials assured them at the presser that help is available.

But with FEMA applications from previous disasters still open, those affected by this storm are urged to wait to apply for assistance until a disaster declaration is approved.

Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said, “We want to help you now, but we have to wait until the the order is signed. We have very much had a lot of support from FEMA this year. And the president, those other two disasters are ongoing and operational. But it’s very important to understand that the application process for the overnight storm, while the fresh in our minds, is not the right time to apply for this disaster.”

As other leaders approached the podium, some were overcome with emotion as they spoke about seeing their friends, family, and neighbors left with nothing, and the places they live reduced to rubble.

They vowed to make sure this community gets the help it needs.

“They said it was going to hit us and—I’m sorry—we stood on the porch, and we watched this go to our neighbors and you see what they’re going through today,” said Laurel County Judge Executive, David Westerfield. “I have not left, I have not been home and I won’t go until these people are taken care of.”

As recovery continues, officials urged people to stay out of affected areas to allow more room for first responders and clean-up crews to move in.