7 Dead in Tennessee, 5 in Arkansas, 4 in Illinois
Powerful tornadoes have struck various parts of the southern and midwestern United States, resulting in 21 deaths and widespread damage to homes, causing significant loss of life and property.
According to major foreign media outlets including the Associated Press on the 1st (local time), tornadoes occurred in at least eight states including Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana late the previous afternoon. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) explained that the maximum wind speed of these tornadoes reached 265 km/h.
In McNairy County, located in western Tennessee, seven deaths have been reported so far due to a storm accompanied by a tornado. County authorities stated, "We are asking people to stay away from the affected areas for their safety," adding, "Numerous homes have been damaged and many injuries have been reported."
In southern Arkansas, five people died, including four in the small town of Wynne. Many buildings in the area had their ceilings and walls collapse, and cars were overturned. Additionally, trees and power lines were uprooted. Wynne police reported that dozens of residents were trapped in debris and unable to escape, and Mayor Jennifer Hobbs described the damage, saying, "Half of this town has been cut off."
In the Midwest state of Illinois, four people died and dozens were injured due to house collapses. Notably, during a rock band concert featuring 'Morbid Angel,' the theater roof collapsed, killing one person and injuring 28 others. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. Approximately 260 audience members were gathered in the theater at the time. Gas leaks and power outages were reported in some villages.
On the 31st (local time), trees were toppled in Arkansas, USA, swept away by a tornado. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
In Indiana, three deaths were confirmed, and one person died with injuries reported in both Alabama and Mississippi. Local media reported that 21 deaths are believed to have resulted from this tornado outbreak, but there is a significant possibility that greater damage will be confirmed in the future.
Local police authorities said, "A powerful storm swept through the area causing collapses," and "Preliminary investigations suggest that the tornado caused this damage."
In Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, about 2,000 homes were damaged. Frank Scott Jr., mayor of Little Rock, said that more than 30 people were injured and taken to hospitals within the city, adding, "Property damage is also quite extensive." Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized about 100 members of the National Guard for emergency response and ordered the deployment of $250,000 from the state disaster response and recovery fund.
Additionally, multiple tornadoes were confirmed in Iowa, and a large fire broke out in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service warned that over the weekend, Arkansas, southern Missouri, western Kentucky, and western Tennessee are likely to be exposed to thunderstorms causing powerful tornadoes, hail, and strong winds. On the 24th of last month, a tornado struck Mississippi, killing 26 people and damaging about 400 homes.
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