On May 16, 2025, an EF4 tornado devastated Laurel County, Kentucky, carving a 55.6-mile path through communities like Sunshine Hills, killing 19 people, and injuring many others. The storm, with winds up to 170 miles per hour, left homes reduced to rubble and lives forever changed. One week later, WKYT News aired a feature on May 23, 2025, titled “One week after tornado, Kentucky communities face long road to recovery,” highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts and the vital role of Crisis Response International (CRI) in supporting the affected residents.
The WKYT report captured the resilience of Laurel County, with the phrase “Laurel County Strong” echoing through the community. CRI was recognized for their hands-on assistance in helping survivors like Brandon Jones salvage belongings from the wreckage of their homes. As Jones noted, while grateful for CRI’s support, he urged more Kentuckians to join the effort, as the initial surge of volunteers had dwindled.
CRI’s responders, operating from their base at First Presbyterian Church in London, worked tirelessly to clear debris and provide emotional support, embodying the spirit of compassion that the community desperately needed. The WKYT segment emphasized that while recovery will take months, if not years, the presence of organizations like CRI offers hope amidst the devastation.
For the full story, read the article on WKYT’s website: One week after tornado, Kentucky communities face long road to recovery.
https://www.wkyt.com/2025/05/23/one-week-after-tornado-kentucky-communities-face-long-road-recovery/
Watch the Video Here
