At least 15 killed as tornadoes rip through Southern, Midwestern U.S.

USPA News - A storm system spawned dozens of tornadoes in Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma on Sunday evening, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more, authorities confirmed on Monday. The death toll is expected to rise further.

The worst-hit region was the state of Arkansas, where the state`s Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) confirmed at least 14 fatalities after a large tornado tore through three counties. Ten fatalities were confirmed in Faulkner County, three in Pulaski County, and one in White County. State officials said the tornado touched down at around 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, moving fast as it tore a path of destruction some 91 miles (146.5 kilometers) long. Search and rescue operations were continuing on Monday. "There are multiple local, state, and federal agencies working together to get lives back together as soon as possible," said Kathy Wright, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. The cities of Mayflower and Vilonia, both in Faulkner County, experienced the most extensive damages. Footage from the area showed entire neighborhoods were destroyed by the large tornado. Multiple shelters were set up for families displaced by the tornado. In Kansas, 34 people were injured when a tornado, estimated to be about three blocks wide, struck the Baxter Springs community - 192 miles (309 kilometers) from Topeka - at around 6:46 p.m. local time. Officials there had reports of one death but it was not yet certain whether the fatality was a result of Sunday`s tornado. In the small town of Hammond, also in Kansas, a tornado damaged several houses and knocked over a grain silo that derailed eight rail cars. Those cars were put back on the track and no injuries were reported in the incident. The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka was partially activated at 7:50 p.m. local time to coordinate the response of other state agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol. Governor Sam Brownback issued a State of Disaster Emergency proclamation. "As things develop we may add additional agencies," Kansas Adjutant General?s Department (KAGD) spokeswoman Jane Welch said. A Red Cross shelter was set up at the 1101 East Avenue Community Center in Baxter Springs to assist residents who lost their homes. KAGD reported that between 60 and 70 homes and at least 20 businesses were destroyed in Baxter Springs, but damage assessments were still underway. Media reports indicated that at least one person was also killed in neighboring Oklahoma, but state officials could not immediately be reached to confirm the casualty. Keli Cain, a spokeswoman for Oklahoma`s Department of Emergency Management, said numerous buildings in Ottawa County were damaged, according to CNN. U.S. President Barack Obama, during his visit to the Philippines, called Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe to convey his condolences for the families affected by the tornado and to express his concern for the individuals still missing. He asked Beebe to inform him and his team of any additional resources that could be provided to help the communities impacted. "Tonight, our hearts actually grieve for some of our fellow Americans back home who have been devastated by very terrible storms and tornadoes," Obama said to Philippines President Aquino III at a state dinner in Manila. "We know that we will recover and we will rebuild in these communities that have been affected because people will care after each other."