Mississippi tornado: At least 26 dead as tornado, storms sweep across US state

At least 25 people have died in Mississippi and one person in Alabama after a destructive tornado and storms battered across the US states. ...read more

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Published on Mar 26, 2023 11:40 AM IST

A deadly tornado and strong thunderstorms swept across Mississippi and Alabama late on March 24 killing at least 26 people as it levelled hundreds of buildings and spawned at least one devastating tornado.  (Getty Images via AFP)

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Published on Mar 26, 2023 11:40 AM IST

People cut down a fallen tree in the backyard of their house in Rolling Fork, Mississippi after a tornado touched down in the area. The powerful weather system, accompanied by thunderstorms and driving rain, cut a path of more than 100 miles (60 kilometers) across the state late March 24, slamming several towns along the way. (AFP)

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Published on Mar 26, 2023 11:40 AM IST

According to Nicholas Price, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi, the tornado stayed on the ground for about an hour and cut a path of destruction some 170 miles (274 km) long. (AFP)

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Published on Mar 26, 2023 11:40 AM IST

Governor Tate Reeves, who visited Silver City on Saturday, declared a state of emergency in the affected areas. (AFP)

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"The scale of the damage and loss is evident everywhere affected today," he wrote on Twitter. "Homes, businesses ... entire communities." (Getty Images via AFP)

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Published on Mar 26, 2023 11:40 AM IST

US President Joe Biden described the images from Mississippi as "heartbreaking" and said in a statement that he had spoken with Reeves and offered his condolences and full federal support for the recovery. (Getty Images via AFP)

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"To those impacted by these devastating storms, and to the first responders and emergency personnel working to help their fellow Americans, we will do everything we can to help," Biden said. "We will be there as long as it takes. We will work together to deliver the support you need to recover." (Getty Images via AFP)

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Published on Mar 26, 2023 11:40 AM IST

An aerial view of destroyed homes after thunderstorms spawning high straight-line winds and tornadoes ripped across the state in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, US.(REUTERS)

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Mississippi officials set up three emergency shelters, including at the National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Deanne Criswell will travel to Mississippi on Sunday, the White House said. (REUTERS)