Tornadoes Devastate US States, Killing At least 16 In Kentucky And Missouri.
At least 16 people have lost their lives after powerful tornadoes ripped through parts of Kentucky and Missouri, leaving a trail of destruction, officials confirmed. The deadly storms, which struck on Friday and Saturday, caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, with thousands left without power.
In Kentucky, authorities reported nine deaths in Laurel County, in the south-east of the state, where a tornado hit in the early hours of Saturday. Officials warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. In Missouri, seven fatalities were recorded, including five in the city of St Louis, where the storm caused significant devastation.
The tornado in St Louis touched down shortly after 2:30 pm local time on Friday, near Forest Park, home to the St Louis Zoo and the historic site of the 1904 Olympic Games, according to the US National Weather Service. The storm left approximately 5,000 buildings damaged, with roofs torn off and power lines toppled. Around 100,000 properties in the city were without electricity, prompting house-by-house searches by the St Louis Fire Department in the hardest-hit areas.
Among the casualties, one person died after part of the Centennial Christian Church in St Louis collapsed, trapping three people who were later rescued. Images from the scene showed bricks scattered across the ground and homes with exposed interiors, their upper floors and roofs heavily damaged.
St Louis Mayor Cara Spencer described the devastation as “truly horrendous,” adding, “The loss of life and the destruction is heartbreaking. We’re going to have a lot of work to do in the coming days, but tonight we are focused on saving lives, keeping people safe, and allowing our community to grieve.” A curfew was imposed from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am in the two worst-affected areas to prevent injuries from debris and deter looting.
The National Weather Service reported additional tornadoes in neighbouring Illinois, with severe weather conditions extending eastwards towards the Atlantic coast. The storms have prompted warnings of further risks across the region.
As communities in Kentucky and Missouri begin the daunting task of recovery, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious amid ongoing search and rescue operations.