Trail of devastation after tornado kills at least 23 in rural Alabama
RESCUERS IN the US are scouring the rubble of mobile homes and houses in search of survivors of a powerful tornado that rampaged through southeast Alabama and killed at least 23 people.
The trail of destruction was at least half-a-mile wide and overwhelmed rural Lee County, forcing it to call in help from the state. “The devastation is incredible,” Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said.
The youngest victim was confirmed as aged six and the oldest was 93, while one family lost seven members.
“Just keep those families in your prayers,” Lee County coroner Bill Harris said. “It’s a tragic situation.”
Drones flying overheard equipped with heat-seeking devices had scanned the area for survivors, but dangerous conditions halted the search, Mr Jones said.
The tornado was part of a powerful storm system that also slashed its way across parts of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.
Mr Jones said the twister travelled straight down a county road in the rural community of Beauregard.
The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado with at least an F3 rating caused the destruction in Alabama. Although the statement did not give exact wind estimates, F3 storms typically are gauged at wind speeds of 158mph to 206mph.
After nightfall on Sunday, pieces of metal debris and tree branches littered roadways in Beauregard. Power appeared to be out in many places.
President Donald Trump tweeted: “To the great people of Alabama and surrounding areas: Please be careful and safe. Tornadoes and storms were truly violent and more could be coming. To the families and friends of the victims, and to the injured, God bless you all!”
Rita Smith, spokeswoman for the Lee County Emergency Management Agency, said about 150 first responders had helped to search the debris after the storm struck.