Search and rescue teams have been sent to the worst-hit areas, with people trapped in ruined buildings. The storms have also caused flash floods in some places. Image: Residents face a major clean-up. Photo: AP Two towns affected by the tornadoes were Powderly, Texas, and Idabel, Oklahoma, both located near the border between the two states. Idabel is in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, in the southeast corner of the state, where authorities have confirmed one death. The town saw a church, a medical center and a school demolished. “Total destruction” Steven Carter, emergency management coordinator for McCurtain County, said, “There was total devastation on the south and east side of Idabel.” Emergency workers equipped with generators have been dispatched to the area to search for missing residents. Gov. Kevin Stitt tweeted: “Praying for Oklahomans affected by today’s tornadoes.” Keli Cain, of the state’s emergency management office, said at least three other counties were also hit by storms, causing flooding. The National Weather Service said tornadoes were also reported in Texas and Arkansas and a storm system was heading toward Louisiana. In Texas, authorities in Lamar County said at least 50 homes were destroyed and 10 people were taken to a hospital, including two with critical injuries. No deaths have been reported at this time. Image: Roofs ripped off buildings. Photo: AP “Heartbreaking to watch” County Judge Brandon Bell declared a disaster in the area, clearing the way for federal aid and funding. He said at least two dozen people were injured across the county. After touching down, a tornado traveled north through the communities of Hopewell, Caviness, Beaver Creek and Powderly, the county sheriff’s office said. Randy Johnson, chief of the Powderly Volunteer Fire Department, said: “It’s going to take a long time to clean this up, but the community has come together. “It’s really heartbreaking to see.” Image: The scenes of destruction have been described as ‘heartbreaking’. Photo: AP The city is located about 45 miles west of Idabel and about 119 miles northeast of Dallas. Meanwhile, at least five tornadoes have been confirmed along the Mississippi and Alabama coasts.
