Illinois tornados: Two declared dead as governor visits ravaged region

Powerful tornados ripped through Illinois on Thursday

Tornadoes have destroyed homes and reportedly sunk a ship in China (AP Images)

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner declared two counties in his state disaster areas and said two people were killed in the violent storms that shook north-central Illinois on Thursday.

The disaster-area designation in DeKalb and Ogle counties opens up a channel of state resources to be dedicated to recovery efforts, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to those impacted by yesterday’s storms,” Mr Rauner said at the Flagg Centre Community Church of God on Friday. “The state will do everything it can to help these families and communities recover and heal, while providing response resources.”

Fairdale, Illinois – which is in DeKalb County – was hardest hit by the storm and all 71 buildings were damaged in the town of 150 people, while 17 homes were knocked off their foundations, according to reports.

Geraldine Schultz, 67, was killed in her Main Street house during the storm and Jacklyn Klosa, 69, was found dead on Friday morning. At least 11 people were taken to the hospital with some degree of injury.

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