KENTUCKY & INDIANA (WFIE) -
Governor Steve Beshear urged Kentuckians to take time on Saturday to reflect on the lives lost and devastation caused by tornadoes that ravaged many Kentucky communities a year ago.
"I will never forget seeing those shattered buildings, the decimated town squares, and the collapsed homes that showed the power of those terrible storms," said Gov. Beshear. "The damages were so great that rebuilding and recovery seemed years away. It was a dark time. Yet I knew the resiliency and faith of Kentuckians, and because of their work ethic and determination, these communities are coming back."
The March 2, 2012, tornadoes caused vast devastation in Kentucky, with the brunt of damage falling on communities such as West Liberty, Salyersville, East Bernstadt and Piner. Statewide, 25 people were killed, and more than 4,500 homes were affected; 671 of those were destroyed and 588 had major damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $10.3 million in housing and other assistance to individuals.
Recently, Gov. Beshear joined U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers to award nearly $30 million in innovative funding to help Morgan County rebuild. The funds, supported by both public and private sectors, will support the reconstruction of five major building projects in Morgan County.
Gov. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to observe a moment of silence on Saturday, March 2, beginning at 6 p.m., which was around the time that some of the worst storms moved through the state.
In Indiana, Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) issued a statement today in advance of the one year anniversary of the fatal storm that hit southern Indiana on March 2, 2012:
"This weekend marks one year since a violent tornado struck southern Indiana killing 11 people and forever changing the lives of many Hoosiers. Immediately following the storm, I toured the damage with local officials and visited with Hoosiers impacted by the tragic event.
What I witnessed will be etched in my mind for the rest of my life.
"I saw nearly a 50 mile-long strip of land, a quarter to a half-mile wide, with everything in its path completely destroyed. Every home and business reduced to rubble. Every open field strewn with debris, some carried for miles before deposit. Every tree stripped bare or flattened.
"Every car or truck damaged by softball sized hail or turned upside down by 175 mph winds. A house miraculously still intact in the distance, but picked up and moved 100 yards east of its foundation. Small rural towns completely destroyed by Mother Nature's unforgiving force.
"A high school of more than 1,100 students was in shambles. Buses and cars hurled into buildings across the street. An entire family was torn apart because the tornado arrived seconds before they were able to reach their basement.
"And yet among these devastating images, what stuck with me the most were the countless stories of heroism, generosity and resolve of the people of Indiana. The two school bus drivers who made a split second decision to turn around and get the kids off the bus and into a shelter. The buses were destroyed minutes later.
"Local police, fire and rescue teams rushed toward danger. Neighbors ran to help the injured. Citizens from nearby towns and counties offered food and shelter for the victims. Former strangers became immediate friends.
"I remember seeing an American flag planted among the debris as displaced homeowners were picking through the ruins, hoping to recover lost memories and precious keepsakes. As I surveyed these scenes one year ago, I felt deeply moved by the unbreakable American spirit – a spirit so alive and strong in Indiana at a time of tragedy.
"We will never be able to replace the precious lives lost from Mother's Nature's destruction, but Hoosiers proved that they will always come together in times of trial to help each other rebuild one day at a time. It's the Hoosier way and it is something we can all be proud of on this somber anniversary."
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Senator Dan Coats tours southern Indiana following the March 2, 2012 storm.
