Tempest Slams Region: Destruction Ensues - Two dozen fatalities reported following storms in the US.
Following some severe storms in the southern and central western parts of the United States, death tolls keep climbing. Reports from US media reveal that at least 22 individuals have unfortunately passed due to the storms, with various authorities to blame. Arkansas and Texas seem to have suffered the most. In Arkansas alone, eight casualties were recorded, while Texas saw seven. Some of the victims included children.
The worst damage is said to have occurred in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky, according to the "Washington Post."
The ferocious weather has made its way across different states over the weekend. President Joe Biden updated on the situation, remarking, "Our thoughts are with all those affected." The White House added, "We're in direct contact with the relevant authorities and are ready to provide assistance should it be required."
Reports of tornadoes surfaced following the storms. Media described hailstones the size of tennis balls. One storm alone claimed an initial rating of three out of five - a tornado of this class can achieve speeds of up to 265 kilometers per hour.
Remnants of homes
As of Monday, rescue and aid workers were still in full swing, leaving hundreds of people to mourn in front of their destroyed homes. Local authorities and witnesses circulated pictures and videos of the destruction on social media. The storms led to upsetting sights like overturned trucks carrying cargo, shattered buildings, and toppled power lines. Nearly half a million households remained without power in Kentucky, Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri, and Arkansas on Monday morning, based on a website called poweroutage.us. Several states declared an emergency state.
Traditionally, in the United States, Memorial Day, a holiday on Monday, marks the beginning of summer and kick-off for beach season. It is customary for people to partake in swimming and barbecuing. However, the weather may force a cancellation of these festivities; the storm is expected to travel eastward, with forecasters warning of strong winds and hail. Additionally, there is a predicted increase in tornadoes. The weather service also issued a heat advisory for the southern United States, as temperatures soared above 45 degrees.
Experts speculate that the proliferation of natural disasters in the USA, such as storms, floods, and forest fires, can be attributed to the consequences of climate change. In recent years, the US weather service has noted a staggering increase in tornadoes.
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- The climate change debate has gained renewed attention following the severe storms, with experts suggesting that such weather events could become more frequent due to rising temperatures.
- The devastating storms have led to widespread damage and disruptions in various states, including Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Missouri, causing significant challenges for residents and emergency services.
- In response to the emergencies, US media has covered the situation extensively, with the Washington Post reporting on the destruction and efforts to aid those affected.
- President Biden and the White House have expressed their condolences to the families of the 22 storm-related fatalities, vowing to provide assistance if needed.
- In the aftermath of the storms, authorities and volunteers are working tirelessly in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky to clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure, and offer support to affected communities.
- The weekend's weather events have also impacted plans for Memorial Day celebrations in several states, with strong winds and hail forecasted to continue, posing risks to outdoor events and activities.
- Meanwhile, hot temperatures and heat advisories have been issued for parts of Texas, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected areas, as they grapple with power outages, property damage, and loss of life.
- As the US grapples with these natural disasters, the issue of climate change and its potential links to such extreme weather events continues to be a topic of concern for politicians, activists, and concerned citizens across the nation.
Source: www.stern.de
