Biden issues an emergency declaration for Alabama

(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Alabama Sunday. This comes after at least nine people died in tornadoes that destroyed homes and knocked out power to tens of thousands in the southeast.

The President ordered federal aid to supplement regional recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes on January 12, a White House statement said.

Authorities have confirmed seven deaths in Alabama, and two more in Georgia.

In Autauga County, Alabama, search and rescue crews found at least 40 homes destroyed or deemed uninhabitable.

The coroner in Autauga says at least four people died by flying debris.

In Georgia, a five-year-old boy died when a tree hit the car he rode in.

The National Weather Service says at least seven tornadoes ripped through parts of Alabama; another four touched down in Georgia.