This community of barely 10,000 inhabitants in western Kentucky literally collapsed on Friday, December 10.
From 7 a.m., the first cars drive slowly through the city, seeing an almost apocalyptic landscape. These are the residents of Mayfield who have come to see the extent of the damage and perhaps salvage what they can of their home.
Two women carry items recovered from the rubble after the tornado hit.
Photo : AP / Mark Humphrey
They are not alone: hundreds of volunteers are there to lend a hand, and that is perhaps the most touching thing about this tragedy.
William lost his 3 year old son. He found it in the rubble, right after the tornado. The child’s name was Jahlil, he was in his mother’s arms with his 18-month-old baby brother when the roof collapsed on top of him. Still in shock, William is filled with remorse for not having spoken to his son that day.
« He was dead when I pulled him out of the rubble and his brother didn’t have a single scratch. »
His neighbors help him clean the land, others have come to bring him clothes, in addition to the support of his family. Each house has its story, some had already left the city, like the Lassiters, who see their house roof completely torn off. Their son and their granddaughter Brooke are busy cleaning up and getting rid of the rubble in the house.
Jahlil, 3, was found dead under the rubble of his home
Photo : Radio-Canada / Azeb Wolde-Giorghis
A little further on, the employees of the Carr’s Steak House were celebrating their party Christmas Friday night. Owner Daniel Carr took no chances when he learned of a tornado heading towards Mayfield. He sent them all home as quickly as possible.
Once the key was on the restaurant’s lock, the tornado struck seven minutes later. All that’s left is a pile of debris from the restaurant, and a few lemons that employees dug out of the rubble.
Carr’s Steak House restaurant is now a pile of debris
Photo : Radio-Canada / Azeb Wolde-Giorghis
In a few minutes, the inhabitants of this city saw their lives changed. But despite the grief and devastation, the resilience is there. We will rebuild everything quickly
this Brook. You have to keep your spirits up and hold on, it will pass.