At least 23 killed, many injured as destructive tornadoes rip though Alabama & Georgia (PHOTOS)

At least 23 people have died and multiple others have been hurt in several large tornadoes that have lashed parts of Alabama and Georgia, tearing off roofs, uprooting trees, and leaving a grim trail of destruction.

An eight-year-old girl and at least 22 other people fell victim to a tornado that swept through Lee County, Alabama on Sunday, the county sheriff has confirmed. He did not specify the exact causes of their deaths.

Several tornadoes descended on Alabama and Georgia, causing extensive damage to houses and infrastructure, and leaving some 35,000 people in both states without power.

Smith Station and Beauregard, both in Lee County, and Talbotton, in Talbot County, Georgia, were the hardest-hit, with photos on social media showing debris from houses scattered everywhere and uprooted trees blocking roads. Some of homes and businesses appeared to have been razed to the ground, while others were seriously damaged.

The storm has knocked down trees in Harris County, Georgia, breaking off power lines.

ABC affiliate in Georgia, WTVM, reported that a gas station in Lee County had been severely affected by the tornado, as well other structures in its vicinity.

Large-scale search and rescue operations have been launched in Lee County, where officials reported multiple injuries.

Spokesperson for Lee County Emergency Management Rita Smith said that some 150 first responders were dispatched to help the victims and search for survivors.

"They are doing a phenomenal job. Sadly, we know that we have two known, confirmed fatalities and many, many injuries," she told AP.

Smith urged residents to stay clear of the roads and the area affected by the storm.

A series of tornado warnings along the Georgia-Alabama border was issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday. 

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