Survivors of the recent tornado onslaught that roiled much of the Midwest this past week say comprehensive tornado warnings -- including news reports, emails and other alert systems -- prevented countless deaths, according to a USA Today article published Sunday. 

As of March 4, at least 39 people were reported dead after volatile weather conditions generated more than 75 tornadoes in 10 states across the Midwest and parts of the South. Fatalities were reported in five states: Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

From USA Today:

Even with the heartfelt optimism here [Henryville, Indiana], it might be months or years before some towns recover from the tornadoes of 2012. And one of the symbols of that recovery — a 15-month baby who was the sole survivor of her family — died Sunday.

…

The stricken areas were still assessing the damage, but as of Sunday night, Indiana had declared states of emergency in 11 counties, Ohio in one county and Kentucky declared a statewide emergency. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear requested a federal declaration. Twenty-two of the 46 counties hit by the storm in his state had declared states of emergency.

The storms destroyed homes, farms and businesses and knocked out power, cellphones and Internet service.

More accounts from Henryville, Indiana via CBS.com:

There's still no power and no heat at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Henryville, but at morning mass, parishioners made sure there was music.

Father Steven Schaftlein spoke of healing. He told his congregation that this town of 1,900 residents have a choice: hope or despair.

"We can choose to begin anew, to see this experience as the end or a new beginning," Schaftlein said.

Images from the U.S. National Guard 2012 tornado relief operation.

Reaction from Kentucky: