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Tornado wrecks central US towns | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Tornadoes and severe storms have swept across the central part of the United States, causing destruction and killing at least 18 people. | |
A tornado severely damaged the north-eastern Oklahoma town of Picher before hitting the Missouri town of Seneca 15 miles (24km) away. | |
At least six people died in Picher and a total of 12 in Missouri. | |
An emergencies official in Picher said a 24-street area of the town had been "virtually destroyed". | An emergencies official in Picher said a 24-street area of the town had been "virtually destroyed". |
Michelann Ooten warned that the death toll could climb as rescuers sifted through the rubble looking for survivors. | Michelann Ooten warned that the death toll could climb as rescuers sifted through the rubble looking for survivors. |
class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7394449.stm">In pictures: Tornadoes kill 18 | |
Television images showed overturned cars, homes ripped from their foundations and trees stripped of their leaves. | |
'Thoughts and prayers' | |
Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has ordered National Guard troops to arrive in Picher by Sunday morning to help in rescue and recovery operations, Ms Ooten added. | |
At least three of the people killed in Missouri died in Seneca. | At least three of the people killed in Missouri died in Seneca. |
"The last two years we've had floods and tornadoes - it's just one right after another," said Susie Stonner of the State Emergency Management Agency. | "The last two years we've had floods and tornadoes - it's just one right after another," said Susie Stonner of the State Emergency Management Agency. |
Mr Henry, who plans to visit the area later on Sunday, said a major emergency response was under way. | |
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Picher and all of the other Oklahoma communities that have been impacted by the latest wave of severe weather," he said. | |
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