Obama pledges federal support for tornado-ravaged Oklahoma

A man is seen during the wreckage in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the United States, May 20, 2013. (Xinhua/Marcus DiPaola)

U.S. President Barack Obama pledged full federal support Tuesday morning to the tornado-ravaged state of Oklahoma, where dozens have died.

In a statement delivered from the White House, Obama said the tornado that sliced through Oklahoma was "one of the most destructive tornadoes in history," and "as a nation, our full focus right now is on the urgent work of rescue, and the hard work of recovery and rebuilding that lies ahead."

Obama said key officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and counterterrorism adviser Lisa Monaco, had briefed him on the situation earlier in the morning, and he had told them that "Oklahoma needs to get everything that it needs right away."

Obama said he had spoken with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin "to make it clear to Oklahomans that they would have all the resources that they need at their disposal." He issued a disaster declaration to expedite federal resources.

Obama has also sent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate to the state to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts. FEMA also activated Urban Search and Rescue Teams from Texas, Nebraska, and Tennessee to assist in the ongoing search and rescue efforts, and a mobile response unit was also sent in to boost communications and logistical support.

A powerful tornado struck the southern suburbs of state capital Oklahoma City on Monday afternoon, killing dozens, including children.

Obama said the extent of damage done by the tornado was not fully known yet, but bad weather through much of the country continues, as the nation prepares for a hurricane season that begins next week.