Tornadoes rip through southern Kansas. by Rob McElwee
At least nine people have died and dozens more have been injured as a tornado struck the town of Greensburg, in southern Kansas. Little has been left standing as the tornado destroyed nearly everything in its path. City administrator Steve Hewitt said; “our town is gone, I believe ninety-five percent of the buildings have been destroyed.”
The National weather Service classified the Friday night tornado as an F-5, the highest category on its scale. Two smaller tornadoes followed, sweeping northwards into the town.
Despite sirens warning residents twenty minutes before the tornado struck, many people who took shelter in their basements became trapped by the debris. The remaining residents have since been evacuated to nearby shelters and fear the worst; uncertain as to when they will return or what they will return to.
With relief efforts being called off yesterday as a fresh wave of tornadoes swept through the state it looks like the worst is not yet over for the 1,500 residents of this small town.
|
|
