Tornadoes kill 38 in US

Dozens of deadly tornadoes and severe storms tore through midwest and south of the United States in the last two days, flattening communities, tearing down power lines, damaging hundreds of homes and killing at least 38 people.

Rescue workers feared that the death toll could rise as they searched through the debris. Another 10 people were missing.

The tornadoes, which began midday Sunday and continued till late Monday killed 18 people in Missouri, seven in Kansas and 13 in Tennessee.

Reports reaching New York said the one million square foot Proctor and Gamble Company's plant in Jackson, Tennessee was seriously damaged. Jackson also witnessed a brief period of looting following the storm but it was quickly quelled, reports said.

The state Emergency Management Agency reported storm damage in more than two dozen counties, among whom the worst-affected ones are seeking federal assistance for clearing up the mess and for rebuilding.

President Bush on Monday said the federal government would move as quickly as possible to help the storm-damaged areas.

"Nature's awfully tough at times, and the best thing we can do right now is to pray for those who have suffered," he said.