Houston (AFP/APP): US Tornadoes and Thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the central United States, leaving at least 15 people, including two children dead and causing extensive damage in several states, including Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
The US Tornadoes and Thunderstorms began late Saturday and continued through Sunday, disrupting communities and cutting power to nearly 490,000 customers from Texas to Kentucky.
In Texas, Cooke County was hit particularly hard. Sheriff Ray Sappington reported that seven people died in the Valley View area, located north of Dallas, due to a destructive tornado. Homes and infrastructure were severely damaged, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations.
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Texas Governor Gregg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for four counties, facilitating the allocation of resources and personnel to aid those affected.
Oklahoma also faced significant destruction, with two fatalities reported in Mayes County following a tornado. The county’s emergency management head, Johnny Janzen, confirmed the casualties and noted the extensive damage.
Arkansas experienced severe storms early Sunday, resulting in five deaths. The storms downed power lines and trees, and some areas faced flash flooding, according to local authorities.
In Louisville, Kentucky, one person died as a result of the storms. Additionally, the weather impacted major events, including the Indianapolis 500 in Indiana, where the race start was delayed for four hours due to the severe weather conditions.
The severe weather system has left numerous communities grappling with the aftermath, with tornado alerts still active in various regions as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Via: AFP/APP