At least 23 people have lost their lives after a series of tornadoes devasted the Mississippi on Friday night.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that 23 people have lost their lives, writing in a tweet early Saturday (March 25): "We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted."
The agency added that dozens have been left injured and four people are still missing.
"Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to change," the agency said.
NBC News has reportedly been informed by Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley that a father and his daughter are among those who have tragically been killed. They had been sheltering in their home with his wife and two other children.
As reported by BBC News, residents are believed to still be trapped under the rubble and debris of collapsed buildings, after the twisters ripped through several rural towns.
Thousands are also reportedly without power after the tornadoes took down power lines.
"I've never seen anything like this... This was a very great small town, and now it's gone," one resident told CNN.
Photographer Aaron Rigsby was able to capture the tornado on camera, and revealed in a tweet that he had to help free "multiple people" from the ruble.
"Violent tornado with horizontal vortex right before entering Rolling Fork, MS," he wrote. "Came across town and pulled multiple people from ruble. Unburied one woman and flagged down medic. Myself, Max and Jordan worked to free older woman buried under house and carried little girl to safety."
One town that appears to be at the center of the destruction is Rolling Fork in Sharkey County - a small town with a population of around 1,800 people in western Mississippi.
Speaking on Fox Weather, former town mayor Fred Miller said: "A great deal of the town has been destroyed."
Sharkey County Coroner Angelia Eason has told NBC News that there had been 13 weather-related deaths confirmed in Rolling Fork.
Mississippi's governor, Tate Reeves, responded to the devastating news on Twitter, writing: "Many in the MS [Mississippi] Delta need your prayer and God's protection tonight. Watch weather reports and stay cautious through the night, Mississippi!"
"The loss will be felt in these towns forever," Reeves added. "Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends."
BBC News adds that several southern states are preparing for the powerful storms.
