Death toll from killer tornado rises to 116

The death toll from a brutal tornado that blasted the US has risen to 116 as authorities face a race against the clock to find survivors.

The tornado, which ripped through the central state of Missouri on Sunday, has left a trail of destruction in its path, destroying homes and towns and overturning cars.

The tornado ripped a 1km long, 10km wide hole through the middle of Joplin, leaving it in tatters and more than 1200 people injured.

Officials estimate 2000 buildings were damaged after monstrous 320km/hr winds tore through the town, 260km south of Kansas City.

Seven people have been rescued in the aftermath of the disaster, the single deadliest tornado to hit the United States in 60 years.

Heavy rain, lightening and strong winds hampered rescue efforts yesterday as hundreds of exhausted rescue workers carefully made their way through the rubble with the help of sniffer dogs.

Taking care of the injured was made more difficult because the main hospital, Saint John's Regional Medical Centre, had to be evacuated after suffering a direct hit - the tornado ripped off its roof and smashed all its windows.

President Barak Obama sent his "deepest condolences" to victims and called the governor of Missouri to assure him the federal government would provide whatever assistance was needed.