INTERNATIONAL: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday has extended condolences to his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, over the severe tornadoes that ripped through multiple central regions of the United States on 10 and 11 December.

In his message, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, had expressed deep sympathies and sincere condolences to the American people over the severe casualties and property loss caused by the tornadoes that struck six central U.S. states of Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri from late Friday into Saturday last week.

In all, the U.S. National Weather Service has received at least 50 tornado reports. The devastating tornadoes has so far claimed more than 80 lives, including 12 children and a two month old infant,with officials fearing the death toll could further rise. The tornadoes also uprooted trees, downed power lines, damaged vehicles and destroyed buildings into twisted debris in its wake, causing huge economic losses.