President Joe Biden is making good on his word to visit the state of Kentucky.
On Wednesday, November 15, Biden traveled to the tornado-ravaged state along with U.S. Congressman James Comer, who represents the state’s First District, which was among one of the hardest hit by last weekend’s unprecedented storm.
Biden touched down in Fort Campbell just before noon and was greeted by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear, and former Governor Steve Beshear.
Biden’s first stop was to visit the town of Mayfield, which was one of the most devastated towns from the tornado. Among the fatalities in Mayfield includes eight workers who were working at a candle factory when the tornado “flattened” the building. Employees are currently speaking out against the company, saying that they were told that they would be fired if they left work early to seek shelter from the storm.
Biden Vows That Kentucky Will Continue To Receive Government Support
President Biden tours tornado damage in Kentucky. WATCH: https://t.co/wHWuG9mXxr pic.twitter.com/ydEFlEdzJc
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) December 15, 2021
Biden walked around the town of Mayfield, witnessing the damage all around him. Homes, government buildings, and businesses were all seriously damaged or completely demolished in the destruction.
“I was asked, ‘What is the most impressive thing you’ve seen?’” Biden began. “I started off thinking in damage. Then, I said, ‘The way you all come together.’”
“Don’t hesitate to ask for anything,” he added. “If we can’t do it, we’ll tell you we can’t, and we’ll tell you from experience how you can maybe get it done… if you can’t get it done through the federal way.”
After Biden finishes in Mayfield, he will continue to survey storm damage in the nearby town of Dawson Springs.
Biden Signs Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration For Multiple Counties
Kentucky: Our disaster survivor teams are open today in two locations helping residents apply for federal assistance. 👇 https://t.co/wNxWqoY5ly
— FEMA (@fema) December 15, 2021
Over the weekend, Biden signed a federal emergency disaster declaration for the state of Kentucky, which allows the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts in affected communities.
Beshear stated that “at least 300 National Guard members are going door-to-door, though many of these communities don’t have doors anymore. They’re going rubble to rubble.”
“FEMA – their priorities are to support life-saving and life-sustaining action,” Beshear explained in a recent press conference. “They’re working with all of us in every level of government. They are also sending disaster housing experts to work with our teams in the field which were hit the hardest.”
On Monday, Beshear said that there were at least 74 confirmed deaths across the state, but admitted that “undoubtedly there will be more” as clean-up efforts get underway.
Beshear has previously put out a call for volunteers willing to aid Kentucky. The Grace County Emergency Management is looking for outside donations of food, clothes, and supplies. They can be reached by calling 270-727-5114.
Volunteers can also sign up through Survey Hero to aid in search and rescue, address electrical or plumbing concerns, or provide medical care as a nurse, paramedic, or an EMT.
