Seven people, including two children, have been killed by a tornado that struck a state in the US.

It ripped through Madison County, southwest of Iowa state capital Des Moines at about 4.30pm on Saturday, emergency management officials said.

Heavy storms caused more than 10,500 people in Des Moines to lose power.

The National Weather Service said the tornado was an EF3, meaning it swirled with winds of up to 206 miles per hour (332 kph).

It was an “extremely dangerous” situation, the agency tweeted.

Six people were killed and four injured in Madison County, officials said, with two children among the dead.

One death was confirmed in Lucas County alongside multiple reported injuries.

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Madison County emergency management director Diogenes Ayala said the two children who died were under five, describing the tornado as “the worst anyone has seen in quite a long time”.

One adult has life-threatening injuries and three others are in a serious condition in hospital, he added.

Mr Ayala said it was a “widespread storm”, estimating there was serious damage to more than two dozen homes.

Images posted on social media showed roads blocked by downed power lines and tree branches shredded.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement saying she and her husband were praying for those who had died and also those injured in the tornado.

She said: “Our hearts go out to all those affected by the deadly storms that tore through our state today.

“Our hearts ache during this time, but I know Iowans will step up and come together to help in this time of need – they already are.”

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