For years, people have warned governments of the serious damages that could be caused by climate change; they didn’t care. The Trump administration doesn’t even believe that there is something called climate change. Now, innocent people are witnessing firsthand how terrible things can go. On Friday the 16th of May, a devastating Kentucky tornado claimed several lives leaving people shocked and heartbroken. According to CNN, “at least 21 people dead in Missouri and southeastern Kentucky as it cut a path of destruction across several states.” Due to the Kentucky tornado, there have been 14 reported deaths in the state. As hours pass, there is a huge possibility that the number of fatalities will only increase.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shared a message on social media saying:
“Sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information. Please pray for all of our affected families.”
The tornado left chaos In all states it passed through, but it was reported by Poweroutage.us that Kentucky and Missouri were affected the most. It has also been reported that the Kentucky tornado affected Southern Kentucky, too, as nine deaths were reported. The London, Kentucky mayor told WKYT that the number of deaths is increasing. “Confirmed deaths in just Laurel County are now up to at least 20,” the publication reported. So far, rescue crews are trying to scan the chaos in hopes of finding any survivors. The bad weather is also expected to last for a few days.
People Reacting to the Kentucky tornado
Almost immediately, people started criticizing the Trump government for all the cuts it made. According to several, this disaster could have been avoided if there had been workers to send alerts. One person wrote, “The NWS station in Jackson that is responsible for some of these areas is so understaffed that they close at night. The tornado that hit London, KY was very obviously dangerous and known to be on the ground for almost an hour before it hit the town. But proper alerts were not sent out to all the people that were sleeping because there was no one to send them. This is what everyone against the cuts was warning about.” Another shared their own experience:
“The NOAA radio nearest to me got taken down and I sat through one of these tornadoes with NO WEATHER UPDATES because of it. Thanks defunding. It definitely wouldn’t have been helpful to know where the tornado was and which direction it was moving and how fast. Clearly government waste.”
Another person pointed out the government’s serious mistakes. “If only there was a type of agency that tracks national oceanic and atmospheric anomalies to help that is government funded and warns people of these things… oh wait,” they stated. The tornado didn’t just affect Kentucky, but it did so with other states. Someone shared their terrifying experience as they wrote, “I stayed in Tipton on Reelfoot lake last night. Directly east of St Louis. It was wild. Massive trees falling, debris smacking the house that sounded like hail. No sirens went off but I doubt there are at a national park. I’m not surprised so many were injured. I was just waiting for one the huge trees to fall and crush us.” Sending prayers to all affected by the Kentucky tornado.