An unusually large number of tornadoes have left a deadly trail in several states of the United States. American media reported on Saturday, citing authorities and emergency services, that at least 17 people were killed and dozens injured. Seven US states counted a total of about 50 hurricanes that could be classified as tornadoes.
The states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Mississippi and Tennessee were particularly affected by the “monstrous storm system”. According to data from poweroutage.us, tens of thousands of homes were without power at least temporarily. Seven people were killed in the storm in the McNairy district of Tennessee, local media reported, citing police and rescue workers.
Roof of event hall collapsed during concert
In the small town of Belvidere, Illinois, the roof of an event building partially collapsed during a severe storm during a concert. According to the media, at least one person was killed and dozens were injured. Fire Chief Shawn Schadle said five people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, 18 with moderate injuries and five with minor injuries. At the time of the collapse, a storm was raging with wind gusts of up to 145 km/h. According to authorities, there were 260 people in the building when the roof collapsed. The concert was sold out.
Hours earlier, a tornado hit the town of Little Rock and the surrounding area, Arkansas. Footage from local television channels showed uprooted trees, overturned vehicles and cracked roofs. Pulaski County, to which the city belongs, reported one fatal accident. At least 50 people have been taken to hospitals, a district spokeswoman told CNN. According to a local broadcaster, the local rescue service in Little Rock had expected 600 injured on Friday. However, this fear was not confirmed until Saturday.
Arkansas Governor: “Very Tough Day”
Four more fatalities were reported from the village of Wynne, some 150 kilometers away. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and mobilized 100 National Guardsmen to assist with rescue and cleanup efforts. She spoke of significant damage and a “very tough day” for the state. Three people were also killed in a violent storm in Sullivan County, Indiana, the New York Times wrote, citing local police. Several homes were damaged, police spokesman Matt Ames told CNN. “It hit us hard,” says emergency services coordinator Jim Pirtle.
A tornado killed at least 26 people in the states of Mississippi and Alabama a week ago. On Friday, President Joe Biden and his wife Jill visited the small town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, which was particularly hard hit by the storm.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
