Adedokun Waliyu 
At least 23 people have died after a tornado tore through the US state of Mississippi on Friday night.
Dozens of residents have been injured while four persons are said to be missing.
The numbers are expected to rise as search efforts are underway to rescue people thought to be trapped under knocked-off buildings, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA).
The tornado caused devastation in several rural towns, yanking roofs off homes, nearly levelling some neighbourhoods and causing power outages.
Videos shared on social media showed piles of rubble, wrecked cars and search teams sifting through debris for survivors.
It is unclear whether one or several tornadoes hit the affected areas.
In a tweet on Saturday, Tate Reeves, governor of the state, expressed his condolences to the victims of the disaster.
“At least twenty-three Mississippians were killed by last night’s violent tornados. We know that many more are injured. Search and rescue teams are still active,” Reeves tweeted.
“The loss will be felt in these towns forever. Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”
MSEMA said plans were underway to roll out information regarding sheltering and feeding operations.
More tornadoes are expected in other towns in the US.
