At least 23 people died and dozens more happened wounds after a tornado swept through the rural western Mississippi Friday night, the state’s emergency management agency announced this Saturday.

“We can confirm 23 deaddozens of wounded 4 missing because of last night’s tornado. We have numerous teams search And save local and state offices that continue to operate this morning,” the agency said on its Twitter account on Saturday.

Search and rescue operations are underway in the counties of Sharkey and Humphreys (in the western part of the state), the agency noted.

For his part, state governor Tate Reeves said on Twitter that the losses from the meteorological event “will be felt in these cities forever.”

“Pray that the hand of God will be on all those who have lost family and friends,” he added.

At least twenty-three Mississippians were killed in a violent tornado last night. We know that many others are injured. Search and rescue teams continue to operate.

The loss will be felt in these cities forever. Please pray that God’s hand will be on all those who have lost family and friends.

— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 25, 2023

The center of destruction was less than 100 kilometers from the city of Rolling Fork in Sharkey County.