by Michael Monks
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THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 21,
BESHEAR CALLS FOR FEDERAL AID
From the Governor's office:
The Department of Public Health is reporting 21 fatalities from the storm, and more than 300 injuries. The fatalities include five in Laurel County, seven in Morgan County, three in Kenton County, two in Johnson County, two in Menifee County, and two in Lawrence County.
On seeking a federal disaster area declaration:
“There is no doubt in my mind that the damages to our state are so heavy that we will qualify for federal disaster aid,” Gov. Beshear said. “To speed that process, today, I am sending President Obama notification that I am formally requesting a federal disaster declaration.”|
By requesting the declaration now, Kentucky can expedite the process of getting Federal Emergency Management Agency assessment and assistance teams into communities that need it most, Gov. Beshear said.
“There are several kinds of federal assistance – including help for local governments, for small businesses and for individuals,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’ll maintain close communication with our federal partners so we can get that information out to our communities quickly as federal assistance is authorized.”
Gov. Beshear talked yesterday with President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano about the devastation from the storms in Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, National Guard officials and lawmakers yesterday toured parts of Kentucky hit hardest by the storms.
“While traveling several of our worst hit counties yesterday, I met some of the people who survived this unbelievably strong band of storms,” Gov. Beshear said. “I’m heartbroken by the destruction these tornadoes brought to our homes and businesses, and for the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones.”
TODDLER FOUND ALONE IN INDIANA FIELD HAS DIED
She was previously reported as the sole survivor of her young family:
Fourteen-month-old Angel Babcock of New Pekin, Ind., was found after her family's mobile home was destroyed in the storms that ravaged the Midwest and South.AP via Herald-Leader
She had been in critical condition at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Chief nursing officer Cis Gruebbel says she suffered head and neck injuries and her family decided to take her off life support.
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TORNADO OUTBREAK IN KENTUCKY WAS WORST IN 24 YEARS
National Weather Service:
It says four tornadoes that hit Kentucky were the worst in the region in 24 years, with winds reaching 160 mph.WKYT
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PHOTOS:
Parishioners gather at lost church Cincinnati Enquirer
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Photos from area damage Recorder/Enquirer
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VIDEO OF TORNADO AS IT APPROACHES TOWN IN MORGAN COUNTY
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Piner Baptist can no longer accept donations Cincinnati Enquirer
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HOW ONE FAMILY ESCAPED THE TORNADO'S PATH
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Governor Beshear asks that spectators stay away from affected areas:
“Unfortunately, after a disaster like the one we have experienced, people take to the road for one of two reasons: to offer unsolicited help, or to tour the damage. That’s not helpful to our emergency responders,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our emergency responders and National Guard troops need immediate and unfettered access to our roads, and they can’t effectively continue that work if they’re fighting traffic.”|
People who want to offer assistance to affected communities should contact their local Red Cross chapter for information. Emergency managers strongly discourage people from traveling to these communities to offer help.
Interested parties wanting to make donations should go to http://kyem.ky.gov/recovery/Pages/VolunteerCoordination.aspx for directions and list of registered charities and affiliates.
MONDAY CLEANUP CREWS HAVE 3 LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
Via Nancy Daly at the Cincinnati Enquirer.
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