Emergency workers searched for survivors in the rubble of homes, schools and a hospital in an Oklahoma city hit by a powerful tornado. Officials in Oklahoma City said on Tuesday that 24 bodies were recovered after a 2-mile wide tornado tore through Moore, a sharp decline from the 51 deaths had reported earlier.
On Monday afternoon the 2-mile (3-km) wide tornado tore through Moore outside Oklahoma City, trapping victims beneath the rubble. One elementary school hit directly and another was destroyed.
Thunderstorms and lightning slowed the rescue effort on Tuesday, but officials lowered the number of bodies recovered.
“We have got good news. The number right now is 24,” Amy Elliot said. “There was a lot of chaos.”
Elliott said additional bodies could yet be recovered from the rubble
President Barack Obama declared a major disaster area in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local efforts in Moore after the deadliest U.S. tornado since 161 people were killed in Joplin, Missouri, two years ago.
Another elementary school, homes and a hospital were among the buildings leveled in Moore, About 55,000 people leaving residents of the town from 11 miles south of Oklahoma City stunned at the devastation and loss of life. Many residents were left without power and water.