Oklahoma (Agencies): A series of tornadoes have wreaked havoc across central US, resulting in the tragic loss of at least five lives, including a four-month-old infant. The storms, which began on Friday, have caused significant damage and left tens of thousands of residents without power.
The majority of the fatalities occurred in Oklahoma, where four people lost their lives. A state of emergency has been declared in twelve counties in response to the disaster. In Iowa, another individual succumbed to their injuries following a separate storm system, as reported by local media.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that some of the tornadoes on Saturday had gusts exceeding 136 miles (218km) per hour, based on a preliminary investigation.
The storms, which ranged from Texas to Missouri, also resulted in up to seven inches (18cm) of rainfall in certain areas within a matter of hours, according to the AFP news agency.
Sulphur, a town in eastern Oklahoma, was particularly hard hit. Videos of the aftermath revealed homes reduced to rubble and vehicles overturned. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported approximately 100 injuries.
The towns of Holdenville and Marietta also suffered extensive damage.