LITTLE ROCK: A violent storm packing high winds and heavy rains ripped through Southern and Midwestern sections of the United States as it headed east on Saturday, leaving 29 dead and scores injured, according to officials and media reports.

US President Joe Biden declared a “major disaster” in Arkansas on Sun­day, ordering federal aid to help with the recovery.

The National Storm Prediction Center, which had warned of very large hail, significant wind gusts and a “strong tornado or two” on Sunday, forecast similar severe weather, including thunderstorms, for Tuesday in much of the Midwest between Chicago and Little Rock, Arkansas.

At least five people were killed in Arkansas, according to officials, as first responders sifted through debris for more possible victims after tornadoes sliced through the state. Officials also reported four deaths in Illinois and three in Indiana. The Tenne­ssee Dep­ar­tment of Health confirmed seven weather-related deaths in McNairy County, at the Mississippi border.

The turbulent weather occurred one week after a swarm of thunderstorms unleashed a deadly tornado killed 26 people.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2023