In the US, the death toll due to tornadoes and storms has risen to 305. The devastating tornadoes have carved a trail of destruction across the south-east. Communities in Tuscaloosa town of Alabama were virtually wiped off the map and officials warned the body-count would rise as rescuers uncovered more dead in the debris. Eight states of the US are crippled by the ferocious spring storms. A state of emergency has been declared in seven states, and federal aid money is being sent to Alabama. Deaths and widespread devastation are also reported in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Virginia. In Alabama alone the toll reached 204, with more than 1,700 injured.

President Barack Obama and the First Lady are scheduled to travel to Albama today for a first-hand look at a still unfolding human tragedy. Obama said the US government will do everything it can to help communities recover from devastating tornadoes.