Tornadoes and storms kill 128 in Alabama

US President Barack Obama has declared a state of emergency in Alabama. State Governor Robert Bentley confirmed on Thursday that the death toll in the state had risen as high as 128.

Fifteen people were killed when a tornado ripped through the city of Tuscaloosa, flattening homes and causing widespread havoc including power cuts.

The storm that spawned a tornado in Alabama triggered more twisters in Georgia three hours later.

“This could be the worst tornado in Alabama’s history,” said meteorologist Josh Nagelberg of AccuWeather.com.

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Marshall County in north eastern Alabama suffered six fatalities, five of them in one house, according to Sheriff Scott Walls.

“That house was in the direct path of the tornado. We had homes and businesses that took direct hits. Every community in the county has suffered damage,” he said.

Two deaths were reported on Wednesday after a tornado hit Georgia near the border with Tennessee and Alabama.

Mississippi authorities said on Wednesday night that the storms had caused at least 11 deaths in eight separate counties in the state in the last 24 hours.

Search and rescue

President Obama issued a statement on Wednesday night offering aid to Alabama: “While we may not know the extent of the damage for days, we will continue to monitor these severe storms across the country and stand ready to continue to help the people of Alabama and all citizens affected by these storms.”

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley mobilised around 1,400 National Guardsmen and said they would be on the ground early on Thursday to help with search and rescue, logistics and debris removal.

Authorities expect the toll to rise as emergency workers attempt rescues and recovery in the storm’s path.