OHIO — Ohio Task Force 1 is continuing search and rescue efforts in Kentucky Tuesday morning following the devastation caused by tornadoes Friday night.
The team was deployed Sunday night and arrived early Monday morning, first conducting a full-day search in western Graves County and in Dawson Springs. They are still working in Dawson Springs, which is northeast of Mayfield.
“To give a sense of magnitude, the two areas the team worked yesterday are a 70-mile drive apart, all devastated by tornados. Team members are humbled by the damage but are upbeat because of the positive work they are doing, helping the people of Kentucky to start the recovery effort," said Phil Sinewe, the team's public information officer, in a statement.
At least 74 people died in Kentucky from the tornadoes, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Officials said 88 people total have died in five states.
Nearly 450 National Guard members have been mobilized in the state, and 95 of them are searching for those presumed dead.
"The damage we are seeing along our entire route is significant and cannot be put into words," said Task Force Leader Jim O'Connor. "We are still in a rescue mode, looking for potential victims and assessing damage for the State of Kentucky as we move through our search area. The entire country should be proud of the work all the teams are doing here in Kentucky.”