When tornadoes ravaged the US state of Mississippi on Friday night, at least 23 people have died.
More people are reportedly believed to be trapped beneath the wreckage of demolished buildings.
Many rural communities were devastated by the twisters, which also resulted in the destruction of thousands of electrical lines and trees.
In addition, several other southern states are preparing for severe storms.
In some sections of the state, golf ball-sized hail and significant rains have been observed.
Residents of the little village of Rolling Fork in western Mississippi claimed that a tornado destroyed the back windows of their houses. According to reports, the destruction is particularly severe in the area.
Brandy Showah, a local, said to CNN: “This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This once-famous tiny village is no longer there.”
Before the tornado hit, it was “eerily calm,” according to Cornel Knight, who was at a relative’s house in Rolling Fork with his wife and their 3-year-old daughter. Although the sky was pitch black, he claimed that “you could see the direction from every transformer that blew.”
He claimed that when the tornado hit the home of a different relative, a wall fell and trapped numerous people inside.
As certain Sharkey County law enforcement personnel are missing in action, some folks were stuck in debris heaps.
Concerned about the power of the tornado that was about to destroy the town of Amery, one local weather forecaster briefly interrupted his TV forecast to say a prayer for the locals.
Tate Reeves, the governor of Mississippi, stated on Twitter that rescue and search teams were offering medical assistance to individuals in need.
“Tonight, God’s protection and your prayers are needed by many in the MS Delta. Mississippi, keep an eye on the weather reports and exercise caution all night long! “wrote Mr. Reeves.
