KENTUCKY — The communities of Bowling Green and Mayfield are reeling after long-tracking tornadoes ravaged many parts of western Kentucky. As of Saturday, Gov. Andy Beshear said at least 70 deaths have been confirmed.

President Joe Biden has approved Gov. Beshear's state of emergency request, allowing FEMA to roll in to assist with disaster relief efforts.

Biden also said he would visit the state, but didn't want to immediately to avoid being in the way of crucial recovery efforts.

Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the storms. Hundreds of Kentucky National Guard members and first responders have been deployed to the hardest hit areas as recovery efforts continue.

In a brief statement on Saturday, Biden said he's actively working with FEMA to identify exactly what each governor needs help with in their respective states. He also urged FEMA to let leaders know if there are lesser known ways that disaster relief can be provided.

"We're gonna get through this, and we'll get through this together," Biden said, quoting an often used line by Gov. Andy Beshear.

Biden's approval of the emergency declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and provide assistance to save lives and protect property, public health and safety in the following counties: Breckenridge, Bullitt, Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Hickman, Hopkins, Lyon, Meade, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Shelby, Spencer and Warren.

FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources necessary to address the emergency in Kentucky, provided at 75% federal funding.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul, who lives in Bowling Green, said the damage being found is heart-breaking.

"Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last night’s terrible storms," Paul said in a statement. "I and my team will do all we can to assist local and state officials as they lead the immediate response, and will aggressively help families, businesses, and officials access recovery resources."

Kentucky's senior senator Mitch McConnell also offered support in the wake of the tornadoes, thanking first responders for their brave efforts amid the tragedy.

"I am praying for the lives lost and communities impacted by the tornado devastation throughout the Commonwealth," McConnell said. "As I continue to get reports from my staff, local and state officials, we will work with the entire Kentucky federal delegation to support Governor Andy Beshear's request for federal assistance in order to aid these hard-hit communities with the funding and resources they need to rebuild.”

The event caused significant damage to Kentucky's agricultural infrastructure, Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles said Saturday. 

"I join fellow Kentuckians in praying for those who’ve lost loved ones to these devastating tornadoes," Quarles added. "At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we are working with other agencies and stand ready to assist in the response."

President Joe Biden was briefed on the devastation in the area soon after it happened, and said he's working with Gov. Beshear and other governors "to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue."

The tornado that rolled through Mayfield tore through a candle factory, which collapsed and trapped many working inside. Gov. Andy Beshear on Saturday said there hasn't been a successful rescue from that factory since 3 a.m.