At least 23 dead after tornadoes strike Alabama; toll may rise, say officials

FP Staff • March 4, 2019, 17:44:54 IST

At least 23 people died and several were injured when tornadoes roared through southeast Alabama

At least 23 people died and several were injured when tornadoes roared through southeast Alabama. Drones equipped with heat-seeking devices scanned the affected areas for survivors. AP

The tornado travelled through a county road into the rural community of Beauregard, destroying homes on its half a mile wide path. AP

Several people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries and two are said to be under intensive care. The National Weather Service confirmed that the Alabama tornado on Sunday was of an F3 rating, which means the wind speeds were ranging between 254-331 kilometres per hour. AP

Over 150 emergency responders rushed to Alabama’s Lee County to join rescue efforts. The storm also affected parts of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. By nightfall on Sunday, the rains ceased and pieces of destroyed property were seen littered all over the area. AP

Power outage was experienced even as door-to-door searches were conducted in the affected areas. At least one canine accompanied the search and rescue crew, even as ambulances and emergency vehicles remained stationed to attend to survivors, reports said. AP