Forty five minutes of twister terror that left dozens dead in OKLAHOMA

A desperate search is underway for survivors after a giant two-mile wide tornado roared through the suburbs of Oklahoma leaving dozens dead, including seven children who drowned in a pool of water at their school. Plaza Towers Elementary was in the direct path of the giant twister that ravaged Moore on Monday afternoon and today rescuers were combing the debris to find 24 students who went missing after the building took a direct hit during 45 minutes of terror. Initial reports said as many as 91 people could have been killed in the tragedy, but officials confirmed on Tuesday morning there have been 24 deaths. They added they fear for as many as 40 others - including 20 children - and expect the death count to rise. At least 240 people are injured - 60 of these children.

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster area in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local efforts in Moore.

Another elementary school, homes and a hospital were among the buildings leveled by the 200mph winds leaving residents of the town of about 50,000 people stunned at the devastation and loss of life. Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin expressed her grief on behalf of her state for the parents of the missing children, aged between five and eight, as the death toll across the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore escalated. 'Our hearts are broken for the parents that are wondering about the state of their children that had been in the schools that have been hit today,' Fallin said. 'I know that there are families wondering where their loved ones are.'

She added that rescuers were 'looking under every single piece of debris' for the missing.

more pics after the cut........................