No fewer than 23 people were killed and dozens more injured after a deadly tornado ripped through rural Mississippi on Friday night, levelling homes and sending emergency services scrambling to rescue people trapped in the destruction.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said that in addition to the 23 dead, dozens of people were injured, and at least four people were also missing.
The agency made this known in an update posted on Twitter on Saturday.
It wrote, “Morning Update as of 6:20 am: We can confirm 23 dead, dozens injured, 4 missing due to last night’s tornadoes.
We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted.
“Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to change.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi confirmed the death toll and asked for prayers.
He tweeted, “At least twenty-three Mississippians were killed by last night’s violent tornados.
We know that many more are injured. Search and rescue teams are still active. The loss will be felt in these towns forever.
“Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”