The town of Moore, Oklahoma is beginning the process of cleaning up and searching for survivors, just hours after a devastating tornado ripped through the entire area. While the death toll continues to climb, the medical examiner has confirmed that at least 51 are dead, including 20 children.
Amy Elliott of the coroner's office told CNN that she expects another 40 more bodies to be taken in at the Oklahoma state medical examiner's office. They expect that half of the bodies will be children.
According to ABC News, two elementary schools were in the path of the EF4 tornado, which reached wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, the National Weather Service said.
“The walls were just pancaked, absolutely flattened and the students were just grouped together," Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb told ABC News, referring to Plaza Towers Elementary School, where at least seven children died.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said on Twitter that she visited the school rubble and praised those working at the scene. She also linked to NewsOK.com, which listed ways people can help the survivors, and has called in the National Guard to help with search and rescue.
Visited tonight w/ search crews at Plaza Towers Elementary School in #Moore.Appreciate their hard work and tireless dedication. #okwx
— Governor Mary Fallin (@GovMaryFallin) May 21, 2013
NewsOK reports that President Obama did declare a major emergency in the state. He has already spoken with Fallin and is set to make a statement this morning on the disaster.
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