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8 Killed as Tornadoes Hammer Midwest

Storms in Iowa and Minnesota chew up towns

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted May 26, 2008 5:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – Midwestern tornadoes killed seven people in Iowa and a toddler in Minnesota yesterday as they tore paths of destruction through communities, CNN reports. The southern half of a town in Iowa was unrecognizable after a twister demolished the local high school, commercial areas and some 200 houses. At least 50 people were injured in the town of 1,900, the Des Moines Register reports.

A twister north of the Twin Cities destroyed some 50 homes. An injured 6-year-old girl's heart stopped, but she was revived in an ambulance, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. It was “a blessing” that so many people were away from home for Memorial Day, said the local mayor.

Houses lay demolished after severe thunderstorms swept through parts of Minnesota, causing damage Sunday, May 25, 2008 in Hugo, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Both intact and destroyed houses are seen after a severe storm swept through Hugo, Minn., Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

An unidentified woman is taken to Aplington-Parkersburg High School for medical care by fire fighters after a powerful storm ripped through the town of Parkersburg, Iowa, Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photo/The Waterloo Courier/ Matthew Putney)

A path of destruction is seen after a severe storm swept through Hugo, Minn. on Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Cars damaged by a powerful storm are seen in Parkersburg, Iowa, Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photo/The Waterloo Courier, Matthew Putney)

Dennis Schipper looks over his flattened home after a powerful storm ripped through the town of Parkersburg, Iowa, Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photo/The Waterloo Courier, Matthew Putney)

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8 Killed as Tornadoes Hammer Midwest

Storms in Iowa and Minnesota chew up towns

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About 20% of Mapleton 'almost flat,' says mayor

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