Mississippi tornado: At least 26 killed, dozens injured and trapped in destroyed buildings

At least 26 people are dead after devastating tornadoes ripped across US southern states, flattening neighbourhoods. See the photos.

More than 20 million Americans in the south of the country are under severe storm warning after devastating tornadoes ripped across two states.

Search efforts are underway after at least 26 people were killed by the powerful weather system, accompanied by thunderstorms and driving rain, that cut a path of more than 60km across Mississippi and Alabama late Friday, slamming several towns along the way.

The state’s emergency management agency said dozens of people were injured.

At least 26 people have reportedly been killed with dozens more injured following devastating storms across western Mississippi and Alabama. Picture: AFP

A man sits amongst damage from a series of powerful storms and at least one tornado in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: AFP

Tornado damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: AFP

A Rolling Fork resident becomes emotional after assessing damage to her home. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

In Alabama, one man died after being trapped when a trailer overturned in the severe weather, the sheriff’s office in Morgan County said on Twitter.

In Rolling Fork, home to fewer than 2000 people, an entire row of houses and buildings was demolished, leaving only scattered debris. Cars were overturned, fences ripped up and trees uprooted.

Four people reported missing “have been found,” it added.

A still image taken from a video by storm chaser Lloyd Bridges shows tornado damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: AFP/ Lloyd Bridges / Eurovision News Wire

An aerial view shows the devastation in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

A piece of fabric reads “blessed” amid the damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

Workers clear the damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

Tens of thousands of people in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee remained without power.

In Rolling Fork, home to fewer than 2000 people, an entire row of houses and buildings was demolished, leaving only scattered debris.

Cars were overturned, fences were ripped up and trees uprooted, television footage showed.

US President Joe Biden called the images from Mississippi “heartbreaking” and ordered federal aid to Mississippi to support local recovery efforts

“We will do everything we can to help. We will be there as long as it takes,” he said in a statement.

The funding will provide grants for temporary housing, home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, the White House said in a statement.

‘MY CITY IS GONE’

Patricia Perkins, who works at a hardware store in Rolling Fork, told AFP that “almost everything is wiped away.”

Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker told CNN “My city is gone”.

“Devastation – as I look from left to right, that’s all I see,” he said.

“A lot of families are hurting. This community is in a situation that we never expected.

“Houses that are torn up can be replaced but we can’t replace a life.”

Resident Shanta Howard described to local TV how residents had to help remove the dead from the wreckage.

In an aerial view, damage from a series of powerful storms and at least one tornado is seen in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: AFP

Aerial view of a destroyed neighbourhood in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, after a tornado touched down in the area. Picture: AFP

The remains of a house and cars are entangled in tree limbs in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Picture: AFP

“It’s way worse than I thought. All of the businesses on Highway 61 are gone,” Ricky Cox, whose seed supply store was wrecked, told AFP, saying two friends died when their homes were hit.

Search and rescue operations were underway in Sharkey County, home to Rolling Fork, and neighbouring counties.

Fatalities also occurred in Humphreys, Carroll and Monroe counties, the emergency management agency said.

“The loss will be felt in these towns forever,” state Governor Tate Reeves said on Twitter. “Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”

Originally published as Mississippi tornado: At least 26 killed, dozens injured and trapped in destroyed buildings