At least 14 people have been killed as a result of a tornado in the US state of Mississippi. Several people are trapped under the rubble. Rescue operations have started.
The tornado swept across the southern state at 70 mph on Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tornado was accompanied by severe storms. Hailstones the size of golf balls fell from the sky.
According to American media, most of the deaths occurred in the village of Rolling Fork, more than 100 kilometers northwest of the capital Jackson. Many buildings and large parts of the electricity grid have been destroyed. Several people have been reported missing and 49,000 people were without power.
Multiple search and rescue efforts have been launched. The injured have been taken to hospital. Residents have been warned and urged to stay indoors.
This tornado is also called a supercell. That is a deadly storm that is often accompanied by heavy hail. The National Weather Service issued a severe weather warning on March 19.
Significant damage has also been reported in the states of Alabama, Tennessee and Texas. It is not known whether there were any casualties there.
