US President Barack Obama offered solace and support to residents of Oklahoma on Sunday as they rebuild their shattered lives after a monster tornado killed 24 people. "When we say that we've got your back, I promise you that we keep our word," Obama declared, as he stood in front of the wreckage of Plaza Towers Elementary School. In the shadow of the now unrecognizable mountain of twisted metal and wood where many of the storm's 10 child victims lost their lives, he praised all those who went out of their way to save people's lives.

US rescue teams scoured a shattered suburb for survivors Tuesday after a tornado tore through the outskirts of Oklahoma City, causing chaos and leaving dozens dead, including children. State medical examiner's office spokeswoman Amy Elliott said 24 victims had been confirmed dead. Earlier reports had cited higher tolls, and the number is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.

(Reuters) - The death toll from a huge tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma on Monday rose to 51, the state medical examiner's office said. Amy Elliott, chief administrative officer of the Oklahoma medical examiner's office, said 51 were confirmed dead, up from 37 fatalities reported earlier. The powerful tornado, rated the second highest strength level of EF4 and packing winds of up to 200 miles per hour, touched down at midafternoon and devastated a wide area of the town.

By Carey Gillam and Ian Simpson MOORE, Oklahoma (Reuters) - Rescue workers with sniffer dogs picked through the ruins of an Oklahoma town on Wednesday to ensure no survivors remained buried after a deadly tornado left thousands homeless and trying to salvage what was left of their belongings. "Yesterday I was numb. Today I cried a lot. Now I'm on the victory side of it," said Beth Vrooman, who hid in a shelter in her garage during Monday's storm in Moore, Oklahoma.