The Governor of the state has said the death toll could exceed 100.
The Governor of the US state of Kentucky has said that more than 70 people have been killed by tornadoes that ripped through the state on Friday night.
Andy Beshear said that the figure could still rise to more than 100, labelling the tornadoes as the “deadliest” to ever hit the state.
“Earlier this morning, at about 5am, we were pretty sure that we would lose over 50 Kentuckians,” he said in a news conference.
“I’m now certain that that number is north of 70.
“It may in fact end up exceeding 100 before the day is done.”
Many are feared dead inside a candle factory in the town of Mayfield and Beshear has declared a state of emergency for Kentucky.
The tornadoes have left a trail of destruction across a number of US states.
More than 100 people have been reported as being trapped in an Amazon warehouse in Illinois after its roof collapsed during the tornadoes.
Local police said there have been “confirmed fatalities” at the site.
There are also reports of at least one death and several people injured at a nursing home in Arkansas.
Also, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Dean Flener has said three people have been killed in the northwest of the state.
“This morning, I was briefed on the devastating tornadoes across the central US,” US President Joe Biden tweeted.
“To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy.
“We’re working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.”
This morning, I was briefed on the devastating tornadoes across the central U.S. To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy. We’re working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 11, 2021
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