Tornado outbreaks like this aren't supposed to happen in December. But that is just what happened last Friday night. Multiple tornadoes touched down in several states including neighboring Illinois. But perhaps no state was hit harder than Kentucky, where the death toll is expected to rise above 100.

The Governor of Kentucky tells BBC News that the hope of finding more survivors is running low. Governor Andy Beshear called the storms the most devastating tornado event to ever hit the state, with at least 80 people confirmed dead thus far. 14 deaths have been confirmed in four other states, including six people who died at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois.

President Biden has declared Kentucky a major federal disaster area according to the BBC. The designation assures that federal aid will get to hard-hit areas as fast as possible. The National Guard has been called in to help remove debris and help distribute water and generators to residents without power. Rescue workers are still working, but no one has been found alive since early Saturday morning.

I sat and watched much of the coverage this weekend, as I'm sure many of you did too. All these poor people, many left with nothing but the clothes on their back. But much like our community pulled together after the derecho sucker-punched us, efforts are springing up to help the people affected by these horrific storms. But there are ways we can show our support right here from Iowa.

You can donate $10 to the American Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999. GoFundMe has launched a hub of verified fundraisers for tornado victims that you can donate to. And the international aid organization CARE is providing food, water, and shelter to residents in Kentucky.

Donate what you can, and let's help another great community get back on its feet.

 

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