As of: December 15, 2021 9:01 pm
US President Biden has visited Mayfield, Kentucky, which has been particularly badly devastated by tornadoes. The damage was among the worst he’d ever seen, he said.
After the devastating tornadoes in Kentucky, with dozens of deaths, US President Joe Biden visited the disaster area. In the particularly affected town of Mayfield, Biden saw numerous damaged or destroyed houses and spoke to local residents on a tour. He had come to listen and make sure that the local authorities got all the help available from the federal government. Biden promised that the government would provide long-term aid.
The US President was briefed on the spot by Governor Andy Beshear, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and the head of the US Civil Protection Agency Fema, Deanne Criswell, about the status of the salvage work and the extent of the destruction. Biden had previously flown over the disaster area to get an idea of the situation from the air.
The tornado damage was among the worst he has ever seen, Biden said. Tragedy like this either brings people together or knocks them down. “There are no red and blue tornadoes,” said Biden, referring to the party colors of Republicans and Democrats.
30 tornadoes in eight states
More than 30 tornadoes had struck swaths of devastation in the eight US states, and thousands lost their homes or were cut off from electricity. 88 people died.
More than 70 people were killed in the state of Kentucky alone, and dozen are still missing. Governor Beshear called it “the worst tornado damage imaginable”.
Republican Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell praised Biden’s response to the disaster. House Democratic chairwoman Nancy Pelosi said she was speaking to Kentucky MPs about what the state needs – an indication of a possible disaster relief law with additional reconstruction funding.
A consequence of climate change
Before his visit, Biden had emphasized that he did not travel to the region immediately after the disaster so as not to be in the way. “The devastation is overwhelming. I mean, there is nothing left,” he said. Houses or businesses were simply “wiped out”. Later, the US President wanted to visit Dawson Springs, which was also badly affected. Afterwards he wanted to give a speech there.
For the United States, it is the latest in a series of natural disasters. This year alone there have been numerous storms, floods and forest fires. Biden sees the accumulation and severity of the disasters as a consequence of climate change, which he has made combating one of his top priorities.