President Biden was briefed on the tornadoes that swept across the central U.S. overnight and pledged to work with the impacted states’ governors and provide federal assistance as needed.
“This morning, I was briefed on the devastating tornadoes across the central U.S. To lose a loved one in a storm like this is an unimaginable tragedy. We’re working with Governors to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue,” the president said.
The president’s statement came just hours after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear warned of “significant loss of life” and declared a state of emergency declaration. He also wrote a letter to Biden Saturday morning requesting federal assistance.
The White House also released a readout of a call between the president and Beshear Satruday morning, stating: “The President indicated that he has directed FEMA and other Federal agencies to provide the speediest assistance possible to impacted communities. The President and the Governor agreed to stay in contact throughout the day as search and rescue operations and damage assessments are ongoing.”
