Biden declares emergency for Alabama due to tornadoes

(Reuters) – The U.S. President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Alabama early Sunday morning after nine people were killed in tornadoes that decimated homes and cut power to thousands of residents in the U.S. Southeast.

Biden on Jan. 12 ordered federal assistance to support regional recovery efforts for areas affected directly by straight-line winds and twisters, according to a White House press release.

According to Jessica Laws (National Weather Service meteorologist), at least five tornadoes hit central Alabama Thursday. Biden’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Autauga and Dallas.

(Reporting by Kanjyik in Bengaluru; Editing By Mark Heinrich