Two people have been killed in rural Louisiana when a tornado hit the city of Ruston early on Thursday (April 25).

Video shows damage around Louisiana Tech University's baseball field, overturned vehicles and fallen trees, among other debris. The university is based in Ruston.

"I was in complete shock," the filmer told Newsflare. I was actually in a rush headed for class and turned a corner and was in disbelief. I didn't know there was supposed to be a tornado watch but I heard a huge thud at about 2am that woke me out of my sleep.

"People are cleaning up and doing what they can to help out fellow students," he added.

The university tweeted: "Our student-athletes and student body are safe, which is our main concern.

"We are still in shock over the devastation to our city and our campus.

"Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers. We are still assessing the damage our facilities, but we CAN and WILL rebuild."

Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Thursday. The declaration is in effect until May 25, 2019.

According to local reports, further severe weather is heading to the Gulf Coast region today.

Aftermath