at least 23 people killed by tornado and thunderstorms in Mississippi

At least 23 people were killed, and dozens more were injured after powerful storms and at least one tornado hit Mississippi Friday evening, March 24, several US media reported, including CNN (article in english). Four people are also missing. US President Joe Biden spoke on Saturday of “heartbreaking pictures” emphasizing that the federal state would “everything he can to help”, “as long as it takes”.

The bad weather caused a lot of damage, tearing off the roofs of houses, almost leveling certain neighborhoods and cutting off the electricity of thousands of people, authorities said on Saturday morning. “We have numerous local and national search and rescue teams continuing to work this morning. A number of resources are on the ground to assist those who have been affected.”said the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, as quoted by CNN.

Tornado watch ‘lifted’

The state governor also reacted on Twitter: “The loss will be felt forever in these towns. Please pray that God’s hand is upon all those who have lost family members and friends”, he said in particular. Gusts reaching 80 mph (128.75 km/h) and golf ball-sized hailstones pounded the state, according to The Washington Post (in English).

Tornado warnings had been issued Friday in several counties in Mississippi. On Saturday morning, the branch of the National Weather Service in Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, said that “tornado surveillance was lifted in the entire area concerned”. “New showers and other thunderstorms are expected in our area”, he tweetedpointing out that“they shouldn’t be strong according to the forecast”. As of December 2021, around 80 people had lost their lives after tornadoes hit Kentucky.