A tragic natural disaster unfolded in the United States: at least 21 people lost their lives as a result of a massive series of tornadoes that swept through the Ohio River Valley
Local rescue services are still operating at the limit of their capabilities, searching for possible victims under the rubble and debris of destroyed buildings, as the destruction caused by the powerful whirlwinds has affected numerous communities in two states. According to official sources, the greatest number of victims—at least 14—is in Kentucky, with the story also updated by reports of seven deaths in Missouri. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized that the number of casualties could still rise, as search and rescue operations continue, and the scale of the destruction is staggering. Witnesses reported that the storm began just before midnight on Friday, destroying entire residential areas, and London's Corbin Airport in Kentucky had to be designated as a disaster zone—buildings were damaged, roofs torn off, debris scattered, and power lines cut. Photographs and residents’ testimonies repeatedly confirm the extent of the destruction: destroyed houses, abandoned vehicles, streets covered with piles of debris. The structures are damaged so severely that all efforts are being mobilized to find people who may still be alive under the rubble. Governor Beshear and local authorities warn that the number of victims could increase, as the full scope of the storm’s aftermath has not yet been assessed. The U.S. National Weather Service issued a warning about an "especially dangerous situation," cautioning that a series of tornadoes threatens over a million residents in the region. In addition to Kentucky and Missouri, the storms also affected the southern parts of the industrial states of Indiana and Illinois, where damages and power outages were reported. As a result, over 800,000 citizens across at least 12 states are without electricity, and recovery efforts are expected to take several days, possibly even longer. The central states are experiencing new waves of powerful storms forecasted for the near future. On Saturday, meteorological services warned of a possible further increase in danger in the northeastern U.S., particularly in the New England states, where strong wind gusts are expected, potentially causing even more damage and injuries. Storm prediction centers caution about rising risks of natural disasters across several regions of the country, with this heightened threat persisting at least until the beginning of next week. The background of this tragedy dates back to last week, May 16, when it was revealed that, a few days earlier, at least 33 people had died in six U.S. states due to severe storms and multiple tornadoes. The scale of destruction and the number of casualties once again confirm the destructive power of nature and how treacherous and unpredictable its phenomena can be. Local and federal agencies continue their work on restoring infrastructure, ensuring safety, and searching for missing persons amid this large-scale tragic event.