Tornadoes and severe storms in southern U.S. leave around 200 dead

[News_Editor]

Tornadoes and severe storms in southern U.S. leave around 200 dead

2011-04-28 22:02:58 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. authorities on Thursday informed that the tornadoes and severe storms that struck southern territories, most heavily in Alabama, have left around 200 dead.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed that the extreme weather that have ripped through the region will continue to impact the southern states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia.

This day, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) confirmed that 128 weather-related deaths have been registered. The most affected counties are DeKalb, Franklin, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa which sustained extensive damage.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties as more severe weather is expected in the coming days. With this action, Bentley authorized AEMA and other state agencies to assist communities, make the appropriate assessments of damage.

"The severe weather outbreak two weeks ago is still fresh on our minds and is a reminder that we must take the threat of severe weather seriously," said Governor Bentley. "I urge Alabamians to do the same and heed weather warnings to protect their families, homes and businesses."

In addition, Bentley mobilized approximately 1,400 Alabama National Guardsmen to provide emergency assistance to the affected counties. The guardsmen will be on the ground on early Thursday morning to help with search and rescue operations, logistical coordination of debris removal.

U.S. President Barack Obama expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims in Alabama and the southeastern regions. "While we may not know the extent of the damage for days, we will continue to monitor these severe storms across the country and stand ready to continue to help all citizens affected by these storms."

In Tennessee, the State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville informed that 30 deaths have been reported from the storms and flooding until Wednesday. Georgia Governor Bob McDonnell said that eight people have been killed in the state.

Furthermore, McDonnell declared a state of emergency in response to severe weather so that state resources can be made available. Seven fatalities were confirmed in Washington County and one in Halifax County.

President Obama authorized FEMA on Wednesday to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the extreme weather on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures.

FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

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