(WKYT) – Nearly one year after a devastating and deadly tornado swept through parts of southern Kentucky, people in London will remember those lost and honor survivors during a ceremony on May 16.
The EF-4 tornado caused tremendous loss in Pulaski and Laurel counties. Neighborhoods devastated by the tornado and its deadly winds continue to come back to life.
“Some of them are relocating. Even to smaller homes or even moving in with family members,” said David Westerfield, Laurel County judge-executive.
Recovery and rebuilding
All the stories of how people have recovered and rebuilt are different. Some homes are 100% rebuilt, others are still under construction, and in other places the foundations remain. Some have struggled with insurance, but Westerfield said FEMA is back in town. Laurel County is still waiting on a $4 million FEMA reimbursement.
“It’s a good feeling to know they are back on the job now. That we could possibly get that money back,” Westerfield said.
Nineteen crosses still stand just outside the subdivision where there was so much loss in such a short amount of time. The names of those who died will be read as part of the ceremony.
Ceremony details
The ceremony will take place at Wyan Pine Elementary, just south of Sunshine Hills, where 10 people died.
“We would like everyone to come out, even if it is just to check on your neighbor or see who is there. We would love to have everybody at this event,” Westerfield said.
Along with reading the names of those killed, survivor stories will be told and first responders honored.
“We just want to make it a day of remembrance for them. Let them know we are thinking of them. We are still here if they need us,” Westerfield said.
The elementary school served as a command center and staging area for volunteers after the storm.
Westerfield said they are working to install more alert services so people can be more prepared in the event of future tornadoes.