SWEPT BY TORNADOES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12616, 29 November 1926, Page 3

SWEPT BY TORNADOES

SOUTHERN STATES OF U.S.A. HEAVY DEATH-ROLL. Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and Z. Cable Association. ST. LOUIS, November 26. Nearly 50 persons are known to be dead and many injured, as the result of tornadoes which swept sections of Louisina, Arkansas, and Missouri on Thursday night. Hampered by the darkness caused by crippled light plants, rescuers were working throughout the night in many of the communities affected. In Arkansas there are over 30 dead, and it is feared that when the telegraph communications are restored at daylight a heavier toll will be revealed. In Missouri five are known to be killed, and Bigpiney, a small inland town, according to meagre reports received, has been virtually wiped out. Four whites and three negroes were killed in freakish winds which swept a narrow pathway in Louisiana. A message from Marks, Mississippi, says that nine negroes were killed on Friday by cyclonic winds, which swept away throe plantations near there. Little Rock, Arkansas, reports that 18 persons are known to be dead and several injured as the result of a tornado which swept the northern part of the State. A later message states the death roll at 20 and still growing. (Received November 28, 5.5 p.m.) EMPHIS (Tenn.), November 27. M The death-roll due to the tornado had reached 80 last night.