Canada’s capital reeling after tornado hammers communities

OTTAWA – A powerful tornado that carved a path through parts of Canada’s capital snapped trees, tossed cars and obliterated dozens of homes has left what the city’s mayor says resembles “a war scene.”

More than 150,000 customers were still without power on Saturday following the tornado, which churned through pockets of Ottawa’s west and south ends, as well as densely populated sections of the neighbouring Quebec city of Gatineau late Friday.

Authorities said dozens of people suffered injuries, however there were no reports of fatalities. The Ottawa Hospital tweeted that two people were in critical condition, one was in serious condition and two others were stable. Officials set up shelters for those who couldn’t return home and they said crisis counselling would be available.