At least 21 people have died after powerful tornadoes swept through parts of the United States over the weekend, causing major damage in the states of Kentucky and Missouri.
Authorities in Kentucky reported 14 deaths, with many of them in Laurel County, in the south-east part of the state. Officials fear the number could rise as rescue teams continue to search the rubble.
In Missouri, seven people died — five of them in the city of St. Louis — after a tornado struck on Friday. Around 5,000 buildings were damaged in the state, with roofs torn off and power lines brought down. Nearly 100,000 homes and businesses in St. Louis were left without electricity.
Emergency workers have been going door-to-door in the worst-hit areas, looking for survivors. In one case, three people were trapped when a church building collapsed. One of them died.
A curfew has been put in place in the most damaged areas, starting from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, to prevent injuries from flying debris and stop looting.
The mayor of St. Louis, Cara Spencer, described the situation as “horrendous” and said the city was focused on saving lives and helping affected families.
The U.S. National Weather Service also reported tornado activity in the nearby state of Illinois and warned that more severe weather could hit areas all the way to the Atlantic coast.
Tornadoes are fast-moving and dangerous windstorms that often cause major destruction in parts of the United States, especially during spring.
