Death toll up to 128

Published 12:15 am Thursday, April 28, 2011

Emergency management officials in Alabama upped the death toll resulting from yesterday’s devastating tornadoes to 128. Somberly, some predicted the number will go higher as the recovery efforts continue this morning.

In Tuscaloosa alone, Mayor Walt Maddox has confirmed 32 fatalities and 600 injuries. There were 26 deaths in the metro Birmingham area, including 13 in Walker County and  11 in Jefferson County.

Those wishing to donate to disaster relief efforts in the affected areas can do so through the Mid-Alabama American Red Cross, which encompasses both Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Alabama last night, and ordered federal aid to assist with recovery and clean-up efforts.   Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley mobilized 1,400 members of the Alabama National Guard to assist with debris removal, search and recovery, and security in affected areas.