A devastating series of tornadoes, which hit Kentucky and several other parts of the United States on Friday, 10 December, has claimed the lives of more than 80 people, reported news agency AFP.
Describing the disaster as "one of the largest tornado outbreaks" in the history of the United States, President Joe Biden said in a televised speech that the full extent of the damage and the number of lives lost is still not clearly known.
As per news reports, over 70 people are believed to have died in Kentucky, and reportedly one of the most devastating sites is the city of Mayfield, where the tornado hit a candle factory.
There were close to 110 people inside when the tornado ripped through the facility. At least six others have reportedly died at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois.
Northern Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee were also among the states which were hit.
Speaking to reporters, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said, "This event is the worst, most devastating, most deadly tornado event in Kentucky's history" and added that he fears more than 100 lives would have been lost.
(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)