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Debris litters ground in Rayne, La., after a suspected tornado hit the area injuring at least nine people, leveling homes and causing natural gas leaks that prompted evacuations on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The Lafayette Daily Advertiser, P.C. Piazza) MANDATORY CREDIT, Associated Press
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Residents look at damage from a suspected tornado that injured at least nine people, leveling homes and causing natural gas leaks that prompted evacuations in Rayne, La., on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The Lafayette Daily Advertiser, P.C. Piazza) MANDATORY CREDIT, Associated Press
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Debris litters ground in Rayne, La., after a suspected tornado hit the area injuring at least nine people, leveling homes and causing natural gas leaks that prompted evacuations on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The Lafayette Daily Advertiser, P.C. Piazza) MANDATORY CREDIT, Associated Press
By Deseret News

RAYNE, La. (AP) — A woman has been killed and 11 others hurt after a suspected tornado hit the southwestern Louisiana town of Rayne.

Acadia Parish sheriff's spokeswoman Maxine Trahan said the 21-year-old woman died Saturday after a tree fell on her house.

Authorities say about 1,500 residents have been evacuated after a couple of natural gas leaks were reported. Trahan says the residents will be evacuated until at least Sunday.

At least 100 homes have been destroyed or damaged in a swath of destruction a quarter of a mile wide and three miles long.

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Authorities say the 11 injuries are minor and those people have been treated at area hospitals.

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