Violent thunderstorms spawned tornadoes across the central United States over the weekend, resulting in at least 23 fatalities, including four children, as reported by local media on Monday.
The series of storms hit five states, causing widespread destruction. Communities in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Tennessee experienced significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide aid to the affected areas.
One of the hardest-hit areas was a small town in Arkansas, where several homes were leveled. “It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” said resident John Miller. “The wind was so strong, and then everything just started to crumble.”
Local authorities have declared states of emergency, urging residents to remain vigilant as meteorologists warn of potential further severe weather in the coming days. Search and rescue operations continue, as officials fear the death toll may rise.
President Biden expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and pledged federal assistance to support recovery efforts. “We are committed to helping these communities rebuild,” he stated in a press release.
The National Weather Service is investigating reports of multiple tornado touchdowns and is working to assess the full extent of the storm system’s impact.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com