‘My heart breaks’: Internet horrified as 4-month-old baby among 5 killed in Oklahoma and Iowa tornado

OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES: At least five people, including a 4-month-old infant, have died after tornadoes swept through Oklahoma on April 26 and 27, authorities said on Sunday, April 28 as emergency crews assessed the extensive catastrophic damage to homes and businesses from the high winds, hail, and flooding, ABC News reported.

Earlier, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management confirmed in a statement that four deaths have been reported in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported two deaths in Holdenville and one fatality on Interstate 35 near Marietta. 

The statement added that the fourth Oklahoma death occurred in Sulphur, which Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced on Sunday, April 28.

At least 100 people injured due to tornadoes

Throughout the state, at least 100 injuries have been documented. These include 30 falls, 25 cuts and piercings, and 17 injuries related to transportation.

One of the Holdenville victims was a 4-month-old baby, according to reports from The Washington Post. One more death was reported in Minden, Iowa, after a person died from injuries sustained on Friday, according to Omaha ABC affiliate station KETV.

Numerous counties throughout the state have seen significant damage as local authorities have reported power outages, downed power lines, property damage, overflowing creeks, overturned automobiles, and other issues.

“Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is asking residents impacted by the storms to report damages to their property," the department wrote in a statement.

"Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts,” they added.

The town of Sulphur was severely damaged, according to reports from Murray County Emergency Management. Hence Governor Stitt declared a State of Emergency in Murray and 11 other counties on April 28, FOX23 reported.

Reunification centers and shelters have been opened by organizations, including Red Cross Oklahoma and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief. They are anticipated to offer food aid in addition to assisting with the debris removal in Sulphur, Holdenville, Marietta, and other surrounding towns.

Governor Kevin Stitt said in a video on X that he will be visiting Sulphur and Holdenville, where crews are now working to clear debris and assess damage.

He said, "My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night,” before adding, “Thank you to Oklahoma Emergency Management and those who have worked through the night to keep Oklahomans safe and have worked to clear debris and assess damage.”

Internet mourns death of 5 people due to tornadoes

Several social media users mourned the tragic death of people who lost their lives in the natural disaster.

On Instagram, one social media user wrote, "We lost our home and farm yard, but nothing is worse than losing a loved one or a child. They will never recover from this. Sending much strength."

Another said, "Such a catastrophe so sorry for the loss." One added, "This is terrible." 

One person said, "So sad. Prayers." Another wrote, "RIP to the victims, including the precious Baby." 

One added, "I'm so sorry. This is absolutely terrible." One individual wrote, "My heart breaks listening this." Another said, "Strength to the family."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.