Washington: President Barack Obama has said the US government will do everything it can to help communities recover from devastating tornadoes that have killed at least 297 people in the south-east. At least 204 people died in Alabama, which Obama will visit on Friday.
The president hailed rescue workers and said he stood with every American affected by the “catastrophic” storms.
A state of emergency has been declared in seven states, and federal aid money is being sent to Alabama.
Deaths and widespread devastation are also reported in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Virginia.
Speaking at a news conference at the White House, Obama said: “The loss of life has been heartbreaking, especially in Alabama.
“In a matter of hours, these deadly tornadoes, some of the worst we have seen in decades, took mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbours, even entire communities
“In many places the damage to homes and businesses is nothing short of catastrophic,” he said.
The president said he would travel to Alabama to meet those leading the emergency response and families who are “reeling from the disaster”.
“I want every American who has been affected by this disaster to know that the federal government will do everything we can to help you recover, and we will stand with you as you rebuild,” he said.
The US National Weather Service has reports of nearly 300 tornadoes since the storms began on Friday, more than 150 of them on Wednesday alone.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription