The death toll from storms spawned by tornadoes which swept across the southeastern part of the United States has risen to 72, U.S. media reported on Wednesday.
Among the victims, 58 deaths were reported in Alabama, including 15 in Tuscaloosa city, Xinhua reported.
Earlier in the day, U.S. President Barack Obama sent his condolences to families hit hard by the severe storms.
"Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives because of the tornadoes that have swept through Alabama and the southeastern United States," Obama said in a statement.
The president had spoken with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and approved his request for emergency federal assistance, including search and rescue assets, according to the statement.
Obama has declared an emergency in Alabama, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the state.
Apart from Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee, Arkansas and some other states were also struck by the storms.