From Sebastian Kitchen, Kentucky Democratic Party Executive Director
Governor Andy Beshear, continuing his strong and straightforward leadership during another tragedy for the commonwealth, joined national programs today to update Kentuckians—and the country—after the deadliest tornadoes in our history devastated much of Western Kentucky this weekend.
Our governor shared heartbreaking stories of our losses, but reminded fellow Americans we are tough, resilient people. He also urged viewers to help those impacted by donating to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund and by donating blood.
View Governor Beshear’s Sunday interviews including Meet the Press, Face the Nation and State of the Union below.
“We’re good people that look out for one another that have just gone through something incredibly difficult, but we are resilient and we will rebuild.” Twitter
“Massive damage. Rebuilding of entire communities. We’re going to have lost thousands of homes because when this tornado hit, it didn't rip a roof off, it obliterated houses. Just totally gone. So there is going to be a lot of work and Kentuckians need to know that we’re going to be with them and the country is going to be with them, not just today and not just this week, but in the months and even the years to come.”
“We’re digging out. We’re tough. We’re going to grieve and then we’re going to rebuild.”
"Our emergency management people are out there going door to door, but there aren’t any doors. A lot of this is going through the blocks and the rubble, if you can reach, and trying to see if there are people there dead or alive.”
“What we’re doing right now is opening up our state parks and welcoming in any family that needs help. We’re also good people that look out after one another. We opened 11 shelters. There’s only six still open because in times of difficulty we open our doors to family and sometimes even to strangers. It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of support from other Kentucky communities and communities around.”
On the Relief Fund that will go solely to impacted families in Western Kentucky: “First we’re going to help with funeral expenses and then we're going to help them rebuild knowing that the costs they’re going to face are going to be long term. .. We are tough people. We’re going to get through it. It is not going to be easy.”
“We’ve got to be with them as they grieve. And then in the months and the year to come, we have to rebuild with them. We have been hit in a way that is unimaginable. We will get through it. We will get through it together. We will rebuild. We’re strong people.”
“I know we’ve lost more than 80 Kentuckians. That number is going to exceed more than 100. This is the deadliest tornado event we have ever had. I think it is going to be the longest and deadliest tornado event in U.S. history. We know that one of these tornadoes was on the ground over 227 miles and 200 [of those miles] were in Kentucky. I’ve got towns that are gone. That are just … gone. My dad’s hometown. Half of it isn’t standing. It is hard to describe. I know people can see the visuals, but that goes on for 12 blocks or more in some of these places.”
“Our rescuers out there are incredible. They worked through the night while it was occurring, putting themselves in danger.”
If you're still looking for a way to help your fellow Kentuckians, please consider donating to the relief fund as well.
We'll be back with more updates soon.
Sebastian