At least 17 people lost their lives as deadly tornadoes hit the south-central U.S. on Sunday.
The damage was most severe in central Arkansas, in the town of Vilonia in Faulkner county, where at least 10 people were killed, authorities told Reuters. Six more deaths were reported in other parts of the state. Tornadoes were also reported in Oklahoma, killing at least one person.
Nearly 18,000 homes and businesses, most in Faulkner county, are still without power as of Monday, according to CNN.
Rescue teams searched through the remains of houses for survivors. A spokesman for the County Sheriff's office told Reuters they are experiencing a "mass casualty situation" in Vilonia.
"An entire neighborhood of 50 or so homes has been destroyed," Tim Griffin, a state congressman, told Reuters. "Many homes are completely gone except the foundation...There is more devastation like this in other parts of Arkansas."
The Arkansas National Guard is aiding in the search. Five deaths have been confirmed in Pulaski county and one death is confirmed in White county, according to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
Local stations showed footage of overturned cars with people still inside along Interstate 40 near Mayflower. The highway was closed as the cars were searched for survivors.
Torn up power lines in Mayflower, located 22 miles northwest of the capital Little Rock, plunged the area into darkness, making it difficult for rescue efforts. At least one person died after the tornado hit around 7:30 p.m.
"It's extremely hazardous here right now," Mayflower alderman Will Elder told Reuters. "The power lines are down, roads are blocked, and they will have to proceed with caution."
A tornado tore through the town of Quapaw, located 200 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, at around 5:45 p.m. One person was killed, Ottawa County Sheriff Department spokesman Derek Derwin told Reuters.
