Doha: The death toll from a wave of violent tornadoes that swept across several US states, including Kentucky and Missouri, has risen to at least 21. The severe storms that struck large areas of the Midwest and Great Lakes region caused extensive damage and widespread human and material losses. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least 14 people were killed early yesterday, and the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas.
According to Qatar News Agency, in Missouri, local officials announced that a tornado struck St. Louis on Friday, killing five people and injuring 38 others. Nearly 5,000 buildings were damaged by blown-off roofs and downed power lines due to strong winds. Officials also reported two more deaths in Scott County, southeast Missouri, as thunderstorms continued to sweep across large areas of Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Ohio Valley. At least six violent tornadoes were reported in Missouri and Illinois.
In this context, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that she had contacted the governors of Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois to offer federal assistance and resources to deal with the aftermath of the natural disaster.