Tornadoes wreaked havoc in Oklahoma and Iowa on April 26 and 27, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, including that of a baby.
Four people have died in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The deaths include two fatalities in Holdenville and one on Interstate 35 near Marietta, as confirmed by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management in a statement.
The fourth death in Oklahoma happened in Sulphur, as confirmed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt on Sunday, April 28. The state has also reported over 100 injuries, including falls, cuts, pierces, and transportation-related accidents.
According to reports from The Washington Post and local station KOCO, one of the victims in Holdenville was a 4-month-old baby.
According to KETV, an ABC affiliate station in Omaha, another fatality has been recorded in Minden, Iowa. This tragic death occurred as a result of injuries sustained on Friday.
Many counties across the state are experiencing severe damage. Local authorities have reported power outages, downed power lines, home damages, overflowing creeks, and overturned vehicles.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has issued a statement urging residents affected by the storms to report any damages to their property at damage.ok.gov. By reporting the damages, it enables local and state emergency managers to effectively coordinate their response and recovery efforts.
According to reports from Murray County Emergency Management, the town of Sulphur sustained significant damage. As a result, Governor Stitt declared a State of Emergency in Murray and 11 other counties on April 28. This information was reported by FOX23.
According to Brian McDaniel, the head of emergency management for Murray County, a tornado hit Sulphur, causing “significant damage” and resulting in over 30 reported injuries (Post).
According to Stitt, the destruction caused by the incident is unimaginable. He expressed his disbelief, stating that it appears as if every business in the downtown area has been completely destroyed.
Organizations like Red Cross Oklahoma and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief have established reunification centers and shelters in Sulphur, Holdenville, Marietta, and other neighboring towns. They are also providing food assistance and assisting in debris clearance efforts.
According to a press release from the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., approximately 24,000 customers are currently experiencing power outages as a result of the storms.
Governor Stitt announced in a video on X (formerly Twitter) that he plans to visit Sulphur and Holdenville. These areas were heavily impacted by the recent storms, and crews are currently working to clear debris and evaluate the extent of the damage.
In a statement to KOCO, Stitt expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ravaged Oklahoma. He also extended his gratitude to Oklahoma Emergency Management and the dedicated individuals who tirelessly worked throughout the night to ensure the safety of Oklahomans. Furthermore, he acknowledged their efforts in clearing debris and evaluating the extent of the damage.
