As of 1 p.m. today, 16 people in Putnam County are confirmed dead and 75 injured in the aftermath of the tornado that touched down early this morning.
Randy Evans, Cookeville police chief, said 70% of the damaged area still needs to be searched.
“It’s heartbreaking to see that kind of damage to our community and to know we had that kind of loss of life and that kind of injury is devastating,” Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said.
A press conference is scheduled for March 3 at 6:10 p.m. at the Putnam County Emergency Management Agency. More information is expected to be announced on the status of campus for the rest of the week.
Those interested in volunteering to assist cleanup efforts can reach out to helpnow@putnamcountytn.gov.
Volunteers are scheduled to meet at the old Hobby Lobby building on South Jefferson Avenue at 8 a.m. March 4.
Those in need of assistance can contact 646-4357 or 646-HELP.
For more information on missing persons, contact 646-4636 or 646-INFO.
(Photo by Peyton Pitman)
