At least four people have died, including a four-month-old baby, and scores have been injured in Oklahoma after dozens of twisters swept the US Southern Plains.
More than seven million Americans were under tornado warnings as Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for the state, freeing up more money for first responders and recovery operations.
"Definitely the most damage since I've been governor," Stitt said in Sulphur, one of the hardest-hit communities, on Sunday afternoon as he provided an update on fatalities and damage.
We'll build back stronger than ever before— that's my promise to Sulphur, Holdenville, and every Oklahoma community facing loss today. — Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) The Oklahoma Standard is alive and well. pic.twitter.com/4iUTTN2stQApril 28, 2024
In a call with the Oklahoma governor, US President Joe Biden offered the full support of the federal government to help with the recovery efforts, the White House said in a statement on Sunday.
Storm warnings for high winds, heavy rain and hail also were issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Sunday for more than 47 million people stretching from east Texas north through Illinois and Wisconsin.
The NWS reported 38 possible twisters hit the area and the worst of the storms rolled through Central Oklahoma on Saturday into early Sunday morning, spreading into northwest Texas, western Missouri and Kansas.
Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for the state after the severe weather. (AP PHOTO)
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said area hospitals reported 100 injuries.
Twisters destroyed or damaged dozens of structures, including the hospital in the town of Marietta, although no injuries were reported there.
More than 20,000 customers in the state remained without power as of Sunday evening, according to officials, as emergency personnel worked to clear roads and repair power lines.
with AP