More than 2 months after deadly tornadoes, Dawson Springs relies on friends, neighbors to move forward

DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nearly two months after deadly tornadoes ravaged western Kentucky, many volunteers have left.

But devastation remains in Dawson Springs.

Stuart Hammer

Search and rescue efforts wrapped up a few weeks after the tornadoes in Dawson Springs, bringing the focus to cleanup. Damaged roofs in Dawson Springs are covered in tarps with debris stacking up in giant piles.

Emergency management officials who initially responded estimated that 75% of Dawson Springs was gone.

This week, crews continue working on removing debris and the little that's left of many Kentucky families' lives. There aren't as many people still in town, but neighbors and friends are still helping out.

"I'm just doing it to help a real good friend of mine," Mike Adamson said. "Him and his wife went through a very hard time dealing with this. I'm just doing what I can to help them."

.@WDRBNews is back in Dawson Springs, KY. Over the next few days, we’ll be bringing you stories, as tornado damaged communities still try to rebuild. @Stuart_Hammer pic.twitter.com/u8OK4K8grg
— Valerie Chinn WDRB (@ValerieChinn) February 7, 2022

Adamson said his friend's tools make up much of the leveled area that used to be his family's house, but they're still searching for his wedding band.

"People still need hot meals," he said.

IMAGES | Residents of Dawson Springs, Ky. begin picking up the pieces after tornado

Thirteen people died in Dawson Springs when the tornadoes roared through in December. Residents are still working with insurance companies, trying to decide if they'll rebuild. It will take years to recover all that was lost.

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