On December 10th, a violent stream of tornadoes ripped through cities in Kentucky and left them in shambles. The outbreak of tornadoes on Friday night, including one that traveled more than 220 devastating miles, left a deep scar of damage throughout the middle of the country, and Sunday was a day of agonizing discovery. However, as work crews sifted through debris and small-town coroners counted the dead, there was a ray of hope that the death toll would not be as high as initially anticipated. That hope came to a halt when people realized there were numerous factory workers clocked for the late shift at the same time the tornado hit. It was later discovered there were 110 employees working that night and only 90 have been confirmed dead under what had been the Mayfield Factory.
Many people raised concerns as to why factory workers remained at the Mayfield factory working during a tornado. The huge factory is known to produce scented candles along with being the third-largest employer in western Kentucky. It was saddening to see that the workers had received a warning of the tornado only 20 minutes before it hit, giving them barely enough time to flee. Rescuers on Sunday continued combing the factory debris for signs of life beneath 15 feet of twisted metal, poisoned with toxic materials, and with wrecked automobiles on what used to be the roof.
Recovery efforts have been recently brought forth after nearly 1,000 homes have been destroyed. Thankfully people from across the nation have stepped up by donating a generous amount totaling 4 million dollars to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The first priority of the fund is to ease the financial burden of burial expenses on families, without needing families to apply for it. Additionally, the American Red Cross set up 8 shelters to help feed and care for 200 people. After President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration over the weekend, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now on the frontlines assisting with aid as well. The move allows for grants and low-cost loans to be put toward housing and home repairs in affected areas.
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