The death toll from the powerful storm that hit six states in the southern region of America has reached 40. According to CBS News, those who lost their lives are from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas and Oklahoma.
According to the BBC, only 12 people died in the state of Missouri. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed in Missouri. At least 12 people were killed in vehicle crashes as powerful winds whipped up dust storms in Texas and Kansas.
Nearly 150 deadly wildfires have been reported in Oklahoma. Deaths have also been recorded in Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi. Flood warnings were issued for parts of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina.
It is reported that more than 320,000 people are without electricity due to the storm. States of emergency have been declared in Arkansas, Georgia and Oklahoma. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said "the state of devastation is staggering across the state". "Hundreds of homes, schools and businesses were either destroyed or severely damaged," he said.
In the state of Oklahoma, due to the wind speed of 133 kilometers per hour, fires have been caused in about 150 places. Dozens of lorries have overturned due to the storm. The state's chief medical examiner said at least four people died from the fire or strong winds.
The 170,000-acre fire has destroyed nearly 300 structures, including a farmhouse owned by state governor Kevin Stitt. At least 8 dead after dust storm in Kansas kills more than 55 vehicles.
A dust storm in Texas has left about 38 cars piled up in one spot . At least four people died in the incident. 6 people died due to tornadoes in Mississippi. BBC reported that 3 other people died in Alabama, including an 82-year-old woman. Authorities in Arkansas reported three deaths and 29 injuries.
US President Donald Trump has said that the National Guard has been deployed to Arkansas to help respond to the storm. "Please join Melania and me in praying for everyone affected by this terrible storm," he wrote on his social network Truth Social.
