US: Storms kill 72 in four states

World

US: Storms kill 72 in four states

Close

Obama approves emergency federal assistance.

28 April,2011 06:17 am

A wave of tornado-spawning storms strafed the South, splintering buildings across hard-hit Alabama and killing 72 people in four states.At least 58 people died in Alabama alone, including 15 or more when a massive tornado devastated Tuscaloosa. The mayor said sections of the city thats home to the University of Alabama have been destroyed, and the citys infrastructure is devastated. Eleven deaths were reported in Mississippi, two in Georgia and one in Tennessee.The storm system spread destruction Tuesday night and Wednesday from Texas to Georgia, and it was forecast to hit the Carolinas next before moving further northeast.President Barack Obama said he had spoken with Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and approved his request for emergency federal assistance, including search and rescue assets.Around Tuscaloosa, traffic was snarled Wednesday night by downed trees and power lines, and some drivers abandoned their cars in medians. University officials said there didnt appear to be significant damage on campus, and dozens students and locals were staying at a 125-bed shelter in the campus recreation center.