WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Saturday directed that federal resources be diverted to the places where they are most needed after one series of tornadoes and severe weather Burst through many. states, the White House said.
Biden was informed about this destructive tornado by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Dean Criswell, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randell and other senior officials, it said.
FEMA is sending emergency response personnel, water and other essentials to the area, and Biden’s order will provide other federal resources and personnel.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said late Friday that more than 70 people are feared dead after a series of tornadoes hit several states.
“This is the most devastating, deadliest tornado event in Kentucky history,” Beshear said at a news conference Saturday afternoon. Beshear said he expected the death toll to exceed 100.
Biden approves Kentucky state of emergency On Saturday afternoon, further emergency situations resulting from severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts.
The White House said, “FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, the tools and resources necessary to mitigate the effects of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided on 75 percent of federal funding.” ” in a statement.
In a press conference shortly thereafter, Biden said that his approval for Kentucky’s disaster declaration would “accelerate federal emergency aid to Kentucky when it is most urgently needed.”
He also said he is “ready” to approve additional federal emergency declarations from governors of other states affected by tornadoes and severe weather.
“I want the people of all these states to know that we are going to overcome this and the government is not going to give up,” the President said.
Earlier on Saturday, Kentucky’s bipartisan federal delegation, which includes Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. John Yarmuth, sent a joint letter to Biden, expressing their support for Beshear’s request for a disaster declaration. Did.
The delegation wrote in its letter, “We strongly support this request and ask to consider your time. The Kentucky National Guard and the Kentucky State Police have been mobilized to provide assistance to Kentuckians, but due to hurricane damage.” Emergency response has also been hampered.
More than 35 tornadoes were recorded Friday evening in at least six Midwest and Southeast states, including Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.