An extreme weather event has led to at least 37 fatalities and overwhelming destruction across various states in the US, with Missouri being particularly hard hit. Emergency declarations have been announced, and power outages affect hundreds of thousands.
Devastating Storms Claim 37 Lives Across Multiple States in the US
Devastating Storms Claim 37 Lives Across Multiple States in the US
A series of powerful tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires wreak havoc across the Midwest and South, leading to unprecedented loss and damages.
Severe storms culminating in destructive tornadoes have left at least 37 people dead across the United States, primarily impacting the Midwest and Southern regions. The devastation began on Friday as Missouri faced the worst of the twisters, resulting in 12 fatalities. In addition, dust storms in states like Texas and Kansas contributed to tragic vehicle pile-ups, accounting for a dozen more deaths.
This extreme weather phenomenon has affected over 100 million residents across the region, sparking near-150 wildfires in Oklahoma alone. The toll extended to Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi, while flood advisories were issued for Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and several other states.
As of Sunday evening, PowerOutageUS reported that more than 320,000 residents were without electricity. Emergency declarations have been activated in Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma to facilitate the response efforts.
Missouri's Governor Mike Kehoe emphasized the shocking scale of destruction, noting, "Hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have been either destroyed or severely damaged." A local coroner described one particular residence in Butler County as "unrecognizable," reduced to a mere debris field.
Oklahoma faced significant challenges as fierce winds, reaching 83 mph (133 km/h), resulted in numerous wildfires that burned through 170,000 acres. Among the structures lost was a farmhouse belonging to Governor Kevin Stitt. In Kansas, dust storms contributed to an accident involving over 55 vehicles leading to at least eight fatalities, while multiple fatalities also occurred in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama.
In an effort to support recovery, President Donald Trump mentioned the deployment of the National Guard to Arkansas, asking for prayers for all those affected by this widespread calamity. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the increasing severity and frequency of climate-related disasters in recent years.
