At least six people have died, dozens more injured, and homes destroyed as a state of emergency was declared after a tornado ripped through the Tennessee in the United States.
Officials in Montgomery County confirmed at least two adults and a child had died while 23 people had been injured in the tornado. They said they were still in the “search as rescue” phase.
It prompted the City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts to declare a state of emergency for Saturday and Sunday. He said: “This is devastating news and our hearts are broken for the families of those who lost loved ones. The City stands ready to help them in their time of grief.”
While Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden added said: “This is a sad day for our community. We are praying for those who are injured, lost loved ones, and lost their homes. This community pulls together like no other and we will be here until the end.”
A Red Cross Shelter was set up at Northeast High School for anyone whose home was destroyed in the tornado. And neighbours were donating items to those displaced by the weather.
Citizens were told to stay off the roads in order to give emergency services the ability to move around the county smoothly.
The Nashville Emergency Operations Center confirmed three people had died in the city on Saturday. They said power lines had fallen in some areas with significant damage in Nesbitt Lane.
Police and the Nashville Fire Department were called to the scene. Metro Nashville PD however confirmed three people had died and more were injured.
A spokesman said: “Multiple power lines/poles down down along Gallatin N/OHB area. Severe damage along Nesbitt Ln where there are at least three fatalities. Others transported with injuries. Urban Search & Rescue is currently assisting Nashville Fire Department.”
The aftermath of the tornado also left 39,000 people in Nashville without power. The Nashville Electrical Service said two substations were damaged.
A spokesman said: “We are saddened by the loss and devastation caused by today’s deadly storms and are committed to help the Nashville region recover.
“At this hour, NES crews continue to assess damage across the entire service area. Currently there are 39,000 customers without power.
“Our North and Hendersonville substations were significantly damaged, and we have crews on site to determine the extent of repairs needed to develop restoration plans.”
It continued: “Right now, our major focus is on the transmission infrastructure and susbtations that supply the Hendersonville area.”
