"It's Living Hell": Dozens Injured As Tornado Razes Czech Republic Homes

The tornado and hail the size of tennis balls struck several towns and villages including Hodonin, where in addition to causing injuries the extreme weather destroyed a retirement home and the local zoo.

An unknown number of people died and dozens were injured after a tornado razed houses to the ground in the Czech Republic's southeast on Thursday, rescuers said. "Unfortunately we can confirm there have been victims, but I can't tell you the exact number," local emergency services spokeswoman Hedvika Kropackova told AFP. She said the death counts would be in the "single digits" rather than in the dozens, but added that any estimates were premature as people were still trapped under debris. "The first estimates of the injured mentioned 100-150 people, but as things stand we now expect dozens," Kropackova added.