The death toll in Kentucky may eventually be less than 80, as estimated by State Governor Andy Beshear on Saturday. A total of 90 out of 110 employees were found in the town of Mayfield, where the tornado leveled a candle factory.
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The company, which runs the production, reported that eight people were missing and eight others had died. Authorities previously reported that 40 people had been rescued from the rubble and there were fears that the others had died. They are now reviewing the company’s statements.
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“Many employees gathered in the shelter, and when the storm ended, they left the factory and went home. It was difficult to contact them due to power outages and telephone lines. We hope to be able to find the remaining eight, ”added company spokesman Bob Ferguson.
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“According to some initial reports, there could have been up to 70 dead in the factory. One is too much, but thank God the number is much, much lower, ”Ferguson told Reuters.
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Families clear the rubble of a demolished house in Kentucky.
Foto: Cheney Orr, Reuters
According to the White House, federal aid for Kentucky includes temporary housing and home repairs, uninsured loans, and other programs targeted at individuals or business owners. Beshear formally requested a state of disaster on Sunday, and Biden received and approved it on the same day.
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The president declared a state of emergency for Kentucky on Saturday.
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