A tornado swept through Mississippi on Friday night, killing at least 23 people.
According to reports, four people are still missing, with many residents injured. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and authorities fear that fatalities may increase as search operations continue.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA) has reported that the tornado caused extensive damage in numerous rural towns, demolishing houses and buildings and causing widespread power outages.
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Social media videos depict the aftermath of the disaster, with debris and wrecked vehicles scattered throughout the affected areas.
First Light of Rolling Fork Mississippi after a Violent #Tornado last night. #mswx @SevereStudios @MyRadarWX pic.twitter.com/NG0YcI3TQn
— Jordan Hall (@JordanHallWX) March 25, 2023
It is unclear if single or multiple tornadoes caused the destruction. However, search teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors buried under the debris.
In a tweet on Saturday, Tate Reeves, governor of the state, expressed his condolences to the victims of the disaster.
“At least twenty-three Mississippians were killed by last night’s violent tornados. We know that many more are injured. Search and rescue teams are still active,” Reeves tweeted. “The loss will be felt in these towns forever. Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”
Several other towns in the US are expected to experience tornadoes in the coming days.