President Joe Biden has declared a federal emergency in Kentucky, pledging “full support” for affected areas.
Speaking on television, the US leader said that this could be “one of the biggest tornadoes in American history” and “we still don’t know exactly how many people lost their lives or the full extent of the damage”.
According to CNN, more than 30 tornadoes were recorded in six US states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Kentucky was hit the hardest, with at least 70 people killed. Governor Andy Beshear said the damage caused by the tornadoes was “unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
Authorities admit the death toll is expected to rise.
Some pictures of the destruction caused by the tornado:
People inspect damage after a tornado in Mayfield, Kentucky, on December 11. Photo: AP
Tornado devastation in Mayfield, Kentucky. Photo: Reuters
Monette Manor nursing home in Monette, Arkansas, after being hit by a tornado. Photo: USA Today Network
The tornado crushed everything in its path. Photo: CNN
A boat was blown over by a tornado in Earlington, Kentucky. Photo: Reuters
Aerial view of the capsized ship. Photo: Reuters
Images of tornadoes crushing everything as they hit a series of US states.
Tornado devastation in Dickson County, Tennessee. Photo: AP
Rescue workers work at the Amazon distribution center in Edwardsville, Illinois, after a tornado passed through. Photo: AP
