Determined recovery efforts begin after tornadoes wreak devastation, with officials estimating 75% of one Kentucky town gone

People who had their lives ripped apart in mere moments by violent and unforgiving tornadoes over the weekend are now dealing with a new reality -- seeking the basic needs of food and shelter while surrounded by devastation and uncertainty over the fate of their neighbors.

In the small town of Dawson Springs in western Kentucky, about 75% of the community was wiped out and replaced by "chaos," Mayor Chris Smiley said Sunday.

"It's the worst thing I've ever seen," said Smiley, who's lived in the town for 63 years. "It's just devastating."