At Least 94 Dead... Worst Tornado Sweeps Across the US (Comprehensive)

Over 100 Dead Expected
Kentucky Governor: "Survivors Would Be a Miracle"
6 Dead in Amazon Warehouse, Bezos Criticized for Late Condolences

The remains of a candle factory in Kentucky destroyed by a tornado. Ten people died at this location alone. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The death toll from the deadliest tornado to hit the central United States has reached around 100. While the collapse of an apartment building in Miami, Florida, last July that killed 97 people was a man-made disaster, this time Americans are shocked by a massive natural disaster. As American society mourns the victims, Jeff Bezos, the richest person in the U.S. and founder of Amazon, has drawn criticism for his delayed condolences despite the death of an Amazon employee.

◇ "Blamed on climate change"… Man-made factors worsened the damage = On the third day since the tornado swept through six central states including Kentucky on the 12th (local time), the extent of the damage is becoming clear.

The confirmed death toll so far is at least 94. As rescue operations continue, the death toll is expected to exceed 100. Several towns scattered across the area have been completely wiped out, and many people are still believed to be trapped under building debris.

In Kentucky, where the damage was concentrated, 80 deaths have been reported so far, including 10 people who died at a factory producing Christmas candles. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear appeared on CNN and said, "The death toll is expected to exceed 100," adding, "Out of 100 workers at the candle factory, 40 have been rescued, and it is uncertain if more survivors will be found. If there are survivors, it would be a miracle."

Kentucky has deployed at least 300 members of the National Guard to identify affected households and locate the dead and survivors, but pessimistic views are spreading as most of the affected areas have turned into ruins with little hope.

In Illinois, six people died at an Amazon warehouse, and four people lost their lives in Tennessee. Two people each died in Arkansas and Missouri. Additional damage due to power outages and water supply disruptions is also a concern. So far, 51,064 households in Kentucky are without power. In Tennessee, about 14,000 households are living without electricity.

This tornado is considered the worst in 100 years in U.S. history. The deadliest tornado in U.S. history occurred in Missouri in 1925, resulting in 695 casualties.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

This super-strong tornado occurred when warm air collided with a cold front in the Midwest region. BBC reported the unusual occurrence of a tornado in winter and introduced claims that it was due to climate change.

There are also claims that the damage was man-made. U.S. meteorological authorities issued warnings before the tornado occurred in the area but could not prevent the record-breaking damage. A 26-year-old truck driver who died at the Amazon factory followed instructions to take shelter in the building's safe room but ultimately died.

According to The New York Times, Isaiah Holt, who avoided the disaster by leaving after his daytime shift at the Kentucky candle factory, expressed gloom over the deaths of his colleagues and complained that the company continued operations despite the severe weather.

◇ Bezos, whose employee died, says "happy" on social media = Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, came under fire for inappropriate behavior amid the death of an Amazon employee caused by the massive tornado.

On the morning of the 11th, after the super-strong tornado struck the U.S. causing dozens of deaths, Bezos shared a photo on Instagram with space travelers from Blue Origin, the space company he leads, expressing that he was "happy."

Later that evening, after Blue Origin's space trip succeeded, he stated, "My heart is broken over the loss of an employee who worked in Edwardsville. Amazon will actively support the residents of Edwardsville to recover from this crisis."

Netizens were outraged by Bezos's thoughtless behavior. One Twitter user commented, "It's really disgusting. I hope Bezos enjoys his 10-minute space trip."

Another Twitter user said, "There are no normal people in the photos Bezos posted, only the rich. Bezos, Warren Buffett, and several other wealthy individuals own more wealth than half of all low-wage workers in the U.S.," advocating for increased taxes on the wealthy.