Midwest tornado damage: Texas A&M Task Force deployed to aid Kentucky in deadly tornado aftermath

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) — Governor Greg Abbott announced he has authorized the deployment of Texas A&M Task Force 1 to assist the people of western Kentucky following the deadly tornadoes that shook their state overnight.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said upwards of 70 may have died when a twister touched down for more than 200 miles in his state, but the number of deaths could exceed 100 across 10 or more counties. Beshear declared a state of emergency and has already submitted a request for a federal emergency declaration.

At the request of FEMA, Abbott approved for 10 of the task force personnel to deploy the Central Incident Support Team cache, which is part of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue System.

“This cache of equipment will provide specialized technical gear and command, control, and communication requirement to members of the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams that are being deployed from around the nation to help those in need,” a statement from Abbott read.

He went to ask folks to join him and his wife in praying for all those affected.

SEE MORE: Death toll could exceed 100 following tornadoes, severe weather: Kentucky governor