Tornadoes and severe storms have swept across the central part of the United States, causing destruction and killing at least 11 people.

A tornado flattened the north-eastern Oklahoma town of Picher before hitting the Missouri town of Seneca 15 miles (24km) away.

At least six people died in Picher and three in Seneca.

An emergencies official in Picher said a 24-street area of the town had been "virtually destroyed".

Michelann Ooten warned that the death toll could climb as rescuers sifted through the rubble looking for survivors.

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has ordered National Guard troops to arrive in Picher by Sunday morning to help in rescue and recovery operations, she added.

In Missouri, a total of five people were killed, including the three victims in Seneca.

(BBC)

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