CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for 28 counties across central and southern Illinois that were impacted by severe weather last weekend.
“We are working directly with the White House and FEMA to ensure access to all federal resources for this community,” said Pritzker. “And as local entities work to secure federal reimbursements and recovery dollars, we will assist every step of the way.”
In addition to high-speed winds that led to downed trees, powerlines, and other damages, six tornadoes were confirmed throughout Illinois.
One of the hardest hit areas was Edwardsville, where a tornado collapsed an Amazon warehouse, killing six people.
“There were 46 people in the building. I believe 39 of them were on the north side, 7 on the south side,” said John Felton, senior vice president of global delivery services at Amazon. “All procedures were followed correctly and the thing that I want to emphasize is just the heroic nature of all 46 people that were in that building, they definitely saved lives.”
During a press conference Monday morning, Felton said Amazon is committed to the Edwardsville community.
“We are reaching out to the victims’ families and figuring out what we can do for them, all of our employees are getting paid time off but we’re also adding rental cars and Lyft gift certificates and we’re going to rebuild this site.”
Pritzker noted that as of Monday morning, power had been restored to Madison County.
In addition to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Edwardsville Community Foundation, and other nonprofits are also providing services to local residents.
Pritzker said those wanting to help can donate at EdwardsvilleCommunityFoundation.org.
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