ugc_banner

Over 80 people dead as tornadoes rip through US; Kentucky worst-hit

WION Web Team
KentuckyUpdated: Dec 12, 2021, 11:18 AM IST
main img
Photograph:(AFP)

Story highlights

Houses and buildings in Kentucky were ruined with Mayfield reporting 'mass casualties' due to tornados. In Illinois at least 50 people were trapped after a roof collapsed at Amazon's facility. 

As tornadoes ripped through Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear said the death toll may exceed 100 with over 80 people already dead as six US states reported powerful tornadoes.

The tornadoes caused heavy destruction in Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois apart from Kentucky.

Kentucky tornado

Mayfield in Kentucky was hit hard as several areas in the US suffered heavy damages. Reports say Kentucky was struck by the worst tornado in over a century.

A state of emergency was declared in Kentucky and national guards were brought in for rescue effort with several fatalities reported in the Amazon distribution centre in Illinois.

Kentucky tornado

Reports say at least 18 tornadoes hit the US south and midwest overnight resulting in large scale carnage.

Houses and buildings in Kentucky were ruined with Mayfield reporting "mass casualties". In Illinois at least 50 people were trapped after a roof collapsed at Amazon's facility. 

Kentucky tornado

The White House said President Biden has directed that federal resources be surged immediately to the locations as power outages were reported amid large scale rescue operations.

"The power outages are climbing and climbing significantly, and daybreak is going to bring more tough news," Kentucky Governor Beshear said, adding, "This has been one of the toughest nights in Kentucky history."

(With inputs from Agencies)