Residents of London are contending with a lengthy cleanup process a week after a tornado devastated the southern Kentucky town.
Volunteer groups like Samaritan’s Purse and Red Cross are still out assisting cleanup a week after a tornado devastated southern Kentucky. The disaster killed at least 19 people, mostly in Laurel County, and destroyed many homes.
Some more fortunate survivors are also helping with the cleanup process. James Poindexter is a longtime resident of London. He says he’s been helping guide those volunteer teams.
“They’re asking me where things are, septic tanks and where people live, and stuff like that. And what can they help with? What can they do and what can't you do?” Poindexter said.
David Lopp was among those whose home was in the tornado’s path, but luckily stayed intact. He and his wife helped Samaritan’s Purse teams clean up the neighborhood.
“Right after it occurred, once I knew my family was safe, I took off right outside and started going door to door, making sure everybody, my neighbor, Tanya, made sure she was okay, and they were all okay,” Lopp said.
The state is currently working to get a federal disaster declaration for individual assistance. Governor Andy Beshear says he’s spoken to FEMA and Homeland Security.
