US state of Kentucky has 64 confirmed deaths after tornadoes: Governor

WASHINGTON

The US state of Kentucky has now 64 confirmed deaths after at least four tornadoes tore through the state over the weekend, Governor Andy Beshear said on Monday.

"Undoubtedly there will be more. We believe it'll certainly be above 70, maybe even 80," he said, adding that at least 105 people remain unaccounted for as of Monday morning.

The victims’ ages range from 5 months old to 86 years.

The deaths took place in at least eight counties, and at least 18 counties suffered damage from tornadoes, said Beshear.

"We are now on day three of responding to the worst tornado event in the history of our commonwealth," he added.

On a candle factory that collapsed with 110 workers inside during the tornadoes, Beshear said 94 are alive and have been accounted for. There are eight deaths and eight others are missing, according to the governor.

Besides Kentucky, weekend tornadoes also hit the states of Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

The city of Mayfield, Kentucky was hardest hit by the powerful storms, leaving it a pile of "matchsticks," according to Mayor Kathy O'Nan. Thousands of people are facing housing, water, and power shortages.