Prayers are going out to the victims of those deadly tornadoes in America’s heartland.
At least 74 people are confirmed dead after the twisters ripped across eight states. Now, communities are digging through the destruction left behind.
“It came and in just in a matter of two minutes it just blew everything up,” said Gary Morgan from Dawson Springs.
Thousands upon thousands of structures have been demolished.
“The house is gone. There’s nothing left,” said Mitchell Wooldridge.
Whole communities were laid to waste – with Mayfield, Kentucky being one of the hardest hit towns.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear adding, “Nothing that was standing in the direct line of this tornado is still standing.”
The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts turn into missions of recovery.
Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan saying, “Every day that goes by, we lose a little bit of that hope.”
Those that made it out alive are sharing harrowing tales.
“It felt like there were 10 grown men outside this door trying to pull it off the hinges,” said De’Amonte Williams.
Two Kentucky law enforcement officers were hit by the tornado while inside their cars. Not only did they survive, they also saved a young girl.
“We could hear somebody screaming for help. By that time Chief Deputy Jeremy Prince was coming to help us and he said there’s a girl inside that was bleeding profusely we ran up there and her leg was seriously injured,” said Deputy Sgt. Richard Edwards of the Graves County Sheriff’s office.
U.S. bishops are praying that those affected will find peace, comfort and hope in the Catholic faith, saying “during the advent season where we await in joyful anticipation for the birth of our lord, we pray for those who have been injured, for those who have lost their lives, and for their grieving families and communities.”