Hello, everyone. You are watching cnn newsroom, and im rosemary church. Im john vause. Wed like to welcome our viewers in the United States and around the world. Well, tornadoes are ripping across states in the central and southern u. S. Parts of arkansas are seeing some of the worst damage. A section of this town was completely destroyed after a storm system moved through on sunday night. Officials say at least 12 people have died across the state. The mayor of one hardhit town explained how extensive the damage is and what emergency crews are doing right now to respond. The downtown area seems like its completely leveled. Theres a few buildings partially standing, but the amount of damage is tremendous. Utilities, theres gas lines spewing. Of course power lines down. Houses are just a pile of brick. When i came up through town to get to city hall, there were people everywhere bandaged and bloody, people trying to help them. They set up a Triage Center just across from city hall thats
Good morning. Im carol costello. Thank you for joining me. We begin with the dramatic rescue operation going on right now off south korea for nearly 300 people still missing after a ship sank, at least four people known dead. Helicopter and boat crews have been on the scene plucking passengers from the fridge it waters. Most of the people on board that ferry were High School Students. Wen rescued student said he heard a loud thud and then the ship started to list. He said everyone was ordered to put on life jackets and jump into the water. Another student says hes afraid many of his classmates may still be trapped on board that sinking ship tr ship. Translator some of the students were not able to escape. The ferry started to list, so we asked if we shoulders scape now. The announcement kept telling us to stay still. Im so worried about the other students in our rooms. The ferry left from the port city of incheon and was headed for the resort city of jeju before going down in the yello
In hong kong remain defiant and out on the streets. Large crowds still gathering at this hour, but riot police have pulled back. Were live from both hong kong, and well get the perspective from beijing as well. Also, desperate for word in japan as rescuers search for survivors since a volcano erupted by surprise. And we are learning that the death toll has climbed. Hikers completely caught unaware by this explosion. Also ahead here, our first look at one of the worlds most talked about couples. I think you know who they are. Now happily married. George in venice. Well get to that in a little bit. Welcome to our viewers in the u. S. And around the world. Youre watching cnn. Im natalie allen. Were going to take you live to hong kong in a moment. But first we have a developing story out of afghanistan. That country getting ready to swear in a new president. We have live video here of the inauguration ceremony in kabul. Ashraf ghani will be replacing longtime President Hamid karzai. After
Australia disrupt an alleged plot by islamic militants to kidnap and murder a member of the public. Also coming up, this. I want to be clear, the American Forces that have been deployed to iraq do not and will not have a combat mission. The u. S. President doubles down on his strategy for fighting isis in iraq. Also coming up for you, more trouble for Americas National football league, yet another player is arrested in a Domestic Abuse case. All right. At this moment it is 7 00 a. M. In scotland and as of this moment the polls are now open throughout the country. This is truly a big moment for scotland, voters have one simple question on the ballot. Should scotland become an independent country . Now, a yes vote would mean severing ties with the United Kingdom which scotland has been a part of for more than 300 years. Voting no would keep the union intact. Uk law restricts what were allowed to broadcast now that vote something under way and we are being watched in the United Kingdom. M
Also coming up deadly Winter Weather blasts the huge northeastern United States well take you to massachusetts where the cold is paralyzing communities along the east coast. And the tell all book that u. S. President donald trump tried to stop from publication the white house hits back at numerous scathing claims in it including that close Trump Associates consider him a child unfit to govern. Welcome to the program im mary in evanston its good to have you with us germany and turkey have held fresh talks aimed at calming tensions between ankara and berlin German Foreign minister. And his counterpart. Have agreed. To Work Together to overcome difficulties in bilateral relations all ties have suffered in recent years amid disagreements about the refugee crisis and a wave of arrests in turkey following the failed coup attempt in twenty sixteen those jailed have included at least nine german citizens such as dennis you jel a correspondent for germanys devalued newspaper hes been in a turki