Seven people, including two children, were tragically killed and several others injured after a powerful tornado tore through a community of mobile homes and manufactured houses in North Texas on Saturday evening. The storm system struck the neighborhood south of Valley View and west of Interstate 35, causing heavy damage to approximately 50 to 75 homes, according to Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington.

Among the victims were two children, aged 2 and 5, as well as three family members who were found in one home near Valley View, a small town with a population of less than 1,000 people. The devastation left behind by the tornado was described as a trail of debris, completely destroying homes in its path.

Authorities from the Cooke County Emergency Management and Fire Marshal's Office reported numerous injuries of varying degrees, although an estimate of the number of people hospitalized was not provided. Rescue crews worked tirelessly on Sunday morning, battling fallen trees and damaged power lines as they searched for trapped individuals and assessed the extent of the damage.

The path of destruction stretched approximately three to four miles from west to east in the southern part of Cooke County, near the Denton County line. Despite the obstacles faced, Sheriff Sappington expressed optimism, stating, "We have a lot of crews, a lot of assets... making their way through it. We pray for those lost, but also that we can still find the injured."

Residents in the affected area began the painstaking task of cleaning up and assessing the damage to their homes. Fallen tree branches and damaged power lines posed challenges, and some families could only find remnants of their homes, such as the stairs to their front doors. Despite the devastation, the community rallied together, with loved ones providing support and comfort to those affected.

The National Weather Service deployed survey teams to assess the strength of the tornado and determine the extent of the damage caused. At this stage, meteorologists are cautious about providing further details until the assessment is completed.

This tornado adds to a string of severe weather events across the United States, which has already witnessed a number of deadly tornadoes in the past month. In Iowa, five people lost their lives, and dozens were injured, while a tornado in Temple, Texas, caused extensive damage and left over 30 people injured.

The power outages resulting from the storm affected an estimated 77,000 individuals in North Texas, according to Oncor. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and stay updated on the rapidly evolving situation.

This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.