United States authorities rushed aid to disaster areas on Monday after a series of tornadoes tore across the US, killing at least 22 people, shattering homes and businesses, and leaving tens of thousands without power. US President George Bush called it a ”sad day” for devastated communities in the states of Missouri, Oklahoma and Georgia.
A violent tornado blasting winds up to 200km/h wreaked havoc through downtown Atlanta, Georgia, toppling trees on to homes, blowing windows out of high-rises and injuring 30 people, city officials said Saturday. A second tornado in north-west Georgia killed two people and injured others on Saturday, officials said.
A tornado hit downtown Atlanta on Friday night, causing several injuries and damaging buildings, including the roof of the Georgia Dome where thousands were watching a college basketball game, police and witnesses said. Nine people were taken to hospitals, one in serious condition, as a result of the heavy storm, police said.