Oklahoma experiences one of the worst tornado disasters in history

CBS News/AP: A mix of volunteers and first responders began combing through debris in the Oklahoma City area Monday evening to look for survivors after neighborhoods were flattened and buildings burst in flames from a destructive, mile-wide tornado.

Television footage on Monday afternoon showed homes and buildings that had been reduced to rubble in Moore, Okla., south of Oklahoma City. Footage also showed vehicles littering roadways south and southwest of Oklahoma City.

CBS News affiliate KWTV reported that emergency personnel were rushing rushing toward an elementary school in south Moore, trying to rescue students and staff that were trapped.

Reports of casualties are still coming in as hospital officials remain on emergency alert, although KWTV reports there are already multiple deaths. One hospital in Moore was hit by the tornado, and patients were being evacuated.

It’s too early for anything approaching a casualty count, but the loss of life is potentially catastrophic.