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At least 51 people, including 20 children, have been left dead after a huge tornado tore through Oklahoma City suburbs, officials in the US state say, according to BBC. 

Worst hit was Moore, south of the city, where neighbourhoods were flattened and schools destroyed by winds of up to 200mph (320km/h).

About 120 people are being treated in hospitals. There are fears that the death toll will rise further.

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma.

He also ordered the federal authorities to join in the search and recovery efforts which are continuing throughout the night.

Monday's twister hit Moore, a suburb of about 55,000 people, and remained on the ground for about 45 minutes.

The Oklahoma chief medical examiner's office said 20 children were among the 51 confirmed dead.

Plaza Towers Elementary school took a direct hit: the storm tore off the building's roof and knocked down walls.