Iowa Tornado Death Toll Hits 7

Another person has died in Iowa, bringing to seven the death toll from the twister, which reportedly had wins of 165 mph when it hit.

Reports say at least 50 people were injured, while new damage estimates show more than 400 homes have been destroyed in Parkersburg, New Hartford, Hazelton and Black Hawk County. Officials estimate that more than one-third of Parkersburg, a town of some 1,900 residents, has been destroyed. In Buchanan County, more than 240 homes were hit with flood damage from the storm.

President George W. Bush has declared a major disaster for Iowa, which will allow for federal money to flow in to help victims of Sunday's storms.

Gov. Chet Culver said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with local and state officials to assess damage in Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Delaware Counties. “Assessment teams have gone out this morning and we will have a better handle on the extent of the damage in terms of dollar amounts,” said the Governor.

Additional counties may be added to the federal disaster declaration based on the results of the damage assessments.