Biden says his administration will do ‘whatever it takes’ to help states reeling from tornadoes
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the deadly tornadoes that hit Kentucky, in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., December 11, 2021.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
chairperson Joe Biden said his administration is standing by and ready to do “whatever it takes” after several dozen people were killed by a series of tornadoes and powerful storms that tore through six states starting Friday night.
“The federal government will do everything, everything it can to help,” Biden said at a news conference Saturday from Wilmington, Delaware.
“I promise you, whatever is needed, whatever is needed, the federal government will find a way to provide it,” Biden added.
Irene Noltner comforts Jody O’Neill outside the Lighthouse, a shelter for women and children that was destroyed by a tornado along with much of downtown Mayfield, Kentucky, USA on May 11 12 year 2021.
Matt Stone | USAToday | Reuters
Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee were hit by more than 30 tornadoes. Biden said that FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is in each of the six states to assess the damage.
In Kentucky, at least 70 people have died and the number could be more than 100. Governor Andy Beshear said he expects the tornado to be the deadliest tornado to hit the state. More than 180 National Guardsmen have deployed to areas in Western Kentucky, the hardest-hit area of the state.
A woman steps out of an ambulance line on the premises of the Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory after it was destroyed by a tornado, in Mayfield, Kentucky, on December 11, 2021.
John Amis | AFP | beautiful pictures
“All state resources are being worked on,” said Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett.
The president earlier in the day approved Kentucky’s state of emergency, adding Saturday afternoon that he was open to approving requests for other states.
In Illinois, at least two people are confirmed dead after Amazon Collapsed warehouse in Edwardsville.
Amazon trucks are seen outside the damaged Amazon Distribution Center on December 11, 2021 in Edwardsville, Illinois. According to reports, the Distribution Center was hit by a tornado on Friday night.
Michael B. Thomas | beautiful pictures
In Tennessee, severe weather has killed at least three people, a spokesman for the state’s Emergency Management Agency told the AP news agency. Two people were seriously injured in Arkansas, according to The New York Times.
“We’re going to get through this, and we’re going to get through this together,” Biden said. “The federal government will not walk away.”
