North Carolina tornado: 22 dead, 130 injured, state of emergency declared [PHOTOS]

North Carolina bore the brunt of a tornado outbreak that swept across the US South. The damages, toll, and destruction in North Carolina was the worst in the last quarter century.

An estimated 22 people died, 130 people injured, 130 homes destroyed, and more than 700 homes damaged, according to North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue’s office. Moreover, cars were lifted and power was knocked out in some areas.

Within North Carolina, Bertie County – a farming area – was the hardest-hit, with at least 10 fatalities. Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, was affected as well. In Sanford, North Carolina, a Lowe’s store collapsed, but no one was seriously injured because the employees evacuated the building before the tornado hit.

Perdue has declared a state of emergency following the devastating tornado, which struck at 7 p.m. local time on Saturday.

Below are available images from the wreckages of the tornado: