At least 18 people have lost their lives, and hundreds more have been injured following severe storms that battered the American states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
The storms wreaked widespread destruction across the three states, leveling homes and truck stops frequented by drivers amidst the latest deadly weather turbulence to hit the U.S. heartland.
In Cooke County, Texas, located near the Oklahoma border, seven individuals were killed when a tornado struck a rural area late Saturday night.
In Arkansas, five people lost their lives, while two fatalities were reported in Oklahoma and one in Kentucky.
Power outages have affected tens of thousands of residents across the afflicted region, according to the Associated Press.
The central US, often referred to as “Tornado Alley,” is prone to severe weather events, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, particularly during the spring and early summer months.
These storms can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as tragic loss of life.
The affected states typically implement emergency response measures and provide assistance to affected communities in the aftermath of such disasters.