Tornado disaster in the US: Death toll continues to rise

The death toll from the tornado that struck Houston, in the southern US state of Texas, is rising. In a statement released by the Harris County Sheriff's Office, it was reported that the number of people who died due to the severe storm has increased to 7.

It was stated that the deaths were linked to downed power lines, fallen trees and cranes, and a fire caused by lightning strikes during the tornado.

SPEED REACHED 160 KM PER HOUR

The US National Weather Service stated that a tornado with wind speeds reaching 160 kilometers per hour occurred near Cypress, causing widespread damage in the city center.

Downtown Houston was the area that sustained the most damage, with windows shattered in high-rise buildings. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said that the recovery would take weeks, not days.

Whitmire signed a disaster declaration covering the entire city.