Tornado Kills At least 10 in Southern US

At least 10 people, including three children, were killed after an enormous tornado swept through Mississippi. Buildings were flattened, and trees and power lines ripped up in a 188-mile path which left hundreds of people homeless and thousands without electricity.

Photo: Tornado Kills At least 10 in Southern US

With many people still trapped in their homes on Sunday, Haley Barbour, Mississippi's governor, declared a state of emergency, describing the damage as "utter obliteration".

Officials said the twister, which was at least three-quarters of a mile wide, on Saturday was the worst to hit the area for decades, according to Telegraph.co.uk.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has already counted nearly 200 homes damaged by the storm, and Barbour said at least 21 locals who sustained injuries had been ferried to nearby hospitals in helicopters or ambulances.

The federal government and the American Red Cross dispatched rescue teams to the disaster zone. Tarps, meals and water were being distributed as officials called for volunteers to help co-ordinate efforts in Yazoo City to remove fallen trees and other debris.

Electricity company Entergy said the tornado "caused widespread damage to Entergy facilities," leaving hundreds without power, The Province informs.