TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The recovery of more bodies pushed the death toll in Wednesday night's twisters to 318, making the outbreak the deadliest in the U.S. since 1932. The news came shortly after President Barack Obama toured some of the destroyed neighborhoods and met with devastated residents.
"I've never seen devastation like this," Obama said after touring the Tuscaloosa area. "It is heartbreaking."
Tuscaloosa saw at least 42 deaths. "We are bringing in the cadaver dogs today," said Heather McCollum, an assistant to Tuscaloosa's mayor.
Visible from Air Force One as Obama neared Tuscaloosa: a wide, angry scar across the land where the tornado had gouged its path.
And as the president moved by motorcade through communities and business districts, suddenly the devastation was everywhere: flattened buildings, snapped trees and heaps of rubble, twisted metal and overturned cars as far as the eye could see.
First lady Michelle Obama was at the president's side as he offered condolences.
Late Thursday, the president signed a disaster declaration for Alabama to provide federal aid to those who seek it.
My hometown was hit really hard, but we only had two deaths. I haven't been back home since it happened, since I'm at college, but I saw aerial footage of the aftermath and I really don't know how more people didn't die. It's all very sad and this day was hellish. The whole state was under attack for 12 hours straight. Very stressful.
My heart goes out to all the people who are affected by it.
