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Tornado wrecks central US towns | Tornado wrecks central US towns |
(3 days later) | |
Tornadoes and severe storms have swept across the central part of the United States, causing destruction and killing at least 22 people. | Tornadoes and severe storms have swept across the central part of the United States, causing destruction and killing at least 22 people. |
A tornado severely damaged the north-eastern Oklahoma town of Picher before hitting the Missouri town of Seneca 15 miles (24km) away. | 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, 15 in Missouri and one in Georgia. | At least six people died in Picher, 15 in Missouri and one in Georgia. |
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. |
In pictures: Tornadoes kill 18 | In pictures: Tornadoes kill 18 |
Television images showed overturned cars, homes ripped from their foundations and trees stripped of their leaves. | Television images showed overturned cars, homes ripped from their foundations and trees stripped of their leaves. |
'Thoughts and prayers' | '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. | 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. | 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. | "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. |