Kentucky governor declares a state of emergency after hurricanes hit the state.. Photos

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Andy Beshear, the governor of the US state of Kentucky, declared a state of emergency after several tornadoes hit the southwest of the state late Friday night, indicating that at least 50 people may have died.

"We believe that the death toll from these hurricanes will exceed fifty people, and the number may range from 70 to 100 people," Beshear said, describing the hurricanes that struck the state as "the most severe in its history."

More than 50,000 homes are without electricity, Beshear said, adding that initial investigations indicate that four tornadoes may have hit the state.

He said about 110 people were in a candle-making factory at the time the hurricanes hit.

"We think we will lose at least dozens of these people," he added.

At least 24 tornadoes were reported in five states - Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.

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