The number of people killed by massive Missouri Tornado, which tore a 10-kilometre path across southwestern Missouri, soared to 116, according to the National Weather Service.
Authorities worried that the toll could rise and dangers arose as fires from gas leaks and unstable buildings. The Sunday-evening storm tore apart homes and severe damage to one of the two hospitals in the city. This was the nation’s second major tornado disaster in less than a month. More severe storms were predicted for the region. According to the National Weather Service, there was a 45% chance of another tornado outbreak. Some large cities and Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka and Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; and Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma are the most high-risk areas.
Rescue crews dug through piles of crushed cars and splintered houses to hunt for victims of the tornado, which slammed straight into Missouri’s hospital. The crews had to move around downed power lines and debris in search for victims and with hope for survivors. Seventeen people were pulled alive from the rubble, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon told reporters in Joplin. Bodies were found along “restaurant row” on the main commercial street.
This was the nation’s second major tornado disaster in less than a month. More severe storms were predicted for the region.
The tornado blew out hundreds of windows, resulting in downed power lines, broken gas lines ignited fires, and spotty cell phone communications.
The storm ripped into a hospital, crushed cars and left a forest of splintered tree trunks behind.
Heavy duty equipment operators cleared the street.
The devastating tornado hit Joplin, Missouri. It ripped the roof off a hospital and destroyed numerous homes and businesses.
People dig through the rubble to look for survivors.
A damaged house after a tornado hit the town.
Related links:
Missouri: Devastating Tornado Hit Joplin, At Least 30 Dead
Tornado Emergency Preparedness - You're Not in Kansas Anymore!
Deadliest Tornado Hit Joplin: Rising Death Toll, Shocking Before-After-Catastrophe Photos
Joplin Missouri Tornado Caused 116 Deaths