Pope calls for prayers for Oklahoma tornado victims
(Vatican Radio) In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck Oklahoma on
Monday, Pope Francis sent out a tweet expressing sympathy for the victims of the disaster.
“I am close to the families of all who died in the Oklahoma tornado, especially
those who lost young children. Join me in praying for them.”
At least 51 people
are now known to have died, including 20 children, when the massive tornado swept
through the suburbs of Oklahoma City, USA. Officials, though, have said the death
toll is expected to rise, as search and rescue operations continue throughout the
night and into the morning.
One elementary school was destroyed and another
was damaged when the half-mile wide tornado touch down. The storm was on the ground
for about 45 minutes, sparking fires and flattening homes. Worst hit was Moore, south
of Oklahoma City, where whole neighbourhoods were levelled by winds of up to 200mph.
It is the second day in a row the Midwestern state of Oklahoma has been slammed
by twisters. About 120 people are being treated in hospitals. President Barack Obama
has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma.