TORNADO TERROR
One dead and ten injured after rare tornado hits the Netherlands turning town into ‘war zone’
A TERRIFYING tornado ripped through a city in The Netherlands today, leaving one person dead and at least ten injured.
The rare storm tore through the roofs and pulled down trees in the Dutch seaside town of Zierikzee, leaving a trail of destruction.
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Fire crews and ambulances were immediately called to the areas of Calandweg and Havenplein, as the local safety board declared an emergency.
Witnesses reported that the fatal twister sent roof tiles off their houses, and garden furniture flying across the street, as they described the area as a "war zone".
A 73-year-old woman was killed amid the devastation.
According to local reports, she was hit on the head by roof tile in the harbour area.
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The frightening moment was captured by locals in the town.
They shared videos of the dark skies above them as the tornado ripped through the area.
Others zoomed into the debris flying around the air, as the tornado rotated and a large white funnel appeared above.
Emergency services in the area urged people to stay at home, and not to try and help as they deal with the aftermath.
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They also warned that loose branches and roof tiles still posed a danger to the public.
Police and emergency services have also been assessing the aftermath of the tornado.
They have been seen boarding up the windows and doors of houses after the strong winds blew them away.
The Zeeland province safety authority said: “Unfortunately, there was one fatality in the tornado. In addition, the first picture is about ten more injured. Emergency services are still busy mapping out the total size.
“The damage is considerable in several streets in Zierikzee. In addition to flying roof tiles and fallen trees, roofs have been blown off four houses.”
It's reported the tornado came as a storm front was crossing the Netherlands from south to north, causing heavy rain in some parts of the country.
Mayor Jack van der Hoek said: "This afternoon Zierikzee was unexpectedly hit by a very strong gust of wind.
"Unfortunately, someone died and several people were slightly injured. There is also extensive damage to homes and trees.
"Also, on behalf of the municipal council, my condolences go out in the first place to everyone affected by this."
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The town of Zierikzee is located about 140 kilometers (87 miles) southwest of Amsterdam and has some 10,000 residents.
The Netherlands experiences several tornadoes a year, but the last fatal one to hit the country was in 1992, Dutch public broadcaster NOS has said.
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