World

Four dead after dozens of tornadoes strike Oklahoma

By AAP Newswire

Apr 29, 2024

Tornado damage in Sulphur — Sulphur in Oklahoma bore the brunt of the tornadoes that ripped across the state. -AP

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.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

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/4iUTTN2stQ April 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.

Biden on Sunday declared a major disaster over the severe winter storms that flooded the state of Washington and Kansas, the White House said.

The president ordered federal assistance to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the winter storms.

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.

Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for the state after the severe weather. (AP PHOTO)

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.

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

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press