Friday, April 29, 2011

Obama declares state of emergency in Alabama by heavy storms

Birmingham (USA) (Writing / Agencies) .- At least 45 people were killed Wednesday in Alabama (southeastern United States) as a result of the storms and tornadoes, as confirmed Yasamie August, spokesman for the Agency Management State Disaster (EMA for short in English). The U.S. president, Barack Obama, has declared a state of emergency in Alabama and has ordered the dispatch of help from federal agencies.

"As we could not know the extent of the damage for days, will continue to monitor these severe storms throughout the country and we are willing to continue helping the people of Alabama and all citizens affected by these storms," said through a statement on Wednesday night. Of the total of deaths in Alabama, 15 are concentrated in Tuscaloosa, a town in central-western state.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Scott Walls said in Marshall County, there were six deaths, five in the same building. "That house was in the direct path of the tornado. We had homes and businesses that were hit directly," said Walls. Meteorologist Josh Nagelberg of AccuWeather. com, believes that the tornado reported on Wednesday could be the worst "in the history of Alabama." In their advance towards the east, the storm has caused more tornadoes in neighboring Georgia, where there have been two deaths along the border with Alabama and Tennessee.

At least 66 dead With this latest report, the total number of deaths due to the storms of the past three days amounts to no less than 66 throughout the country. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and 39 counties in Mississippi. In the latter state have posted at least 11 people just in the last 24 hours.

The storms have brought flooding, which together with the melt water have caused major floods in rivers. The powerful storm has also caused considerable damage to buildings, infrastructure and power. In fact, the storms have been forced to close three nuclear power plants in Alabama and 11 knock out power lines.

Another spokesperson for the EMA in Alabama, Lauree Ashcom, says he is already preparing everything needed to begin the search for survivors and debris removal as time permits.

No comments:

Post a Comment