Monday, May 20th 2013, 9:36 pm
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin says "hearts are broken" for parents wondering about the fate of their children after a tornado devastated Moore and officials say the search and rescue effort will continue throughout the night.
Fallin told a Monday news conference that a center for those seeking loved ones has been set up at a church in Moore, where an afternoon tornado flattened entire neighborhoods and destroyed an elementary school with a direct hit. She says responders are working as quickly as they can to sort through the rubble.
Authorities who joined Fallin say search and rescue efforts are ongoing and will continue overnight.
The governor says the state will spare no resource in the tornado recovery and will consider using Oklahoma's rainy day fund in the effort.
5/20/2013 Related Story: Massive Tornado Kills 51 In Moore, Hits Elementary School
President Barack Obama called Fallin Monday to express his concern about a monstrous tornado that wreaked havoc in the Oklahoma City suburbs.
The White House says Obama told the governor that he's directed the government and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide any assistance she needs. FEMA has sent a special team to Oklahoma's emergency operations center to help out and dispatch resources.
Obama also told Fallin to contact him directly if the federal government can provide additional help.
The White House says Obama's homeland security team is keeping him updated on the situation.
The tornado flattened entire neighborhoods in the southern suburb of Moore with winds up to 200 mph, leaving buildings on fire and landing a direct blow to an elementary school.
5/20/2013 Related Story: News 9 Accepting Donations For Oklahoma Tornado Victims
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