The Missouri Tornado 2011, billed as one of the most destructive twisters to have hit USA in recent times has caused massive damage to the city. Homes have been flattened and cars have been crushed beyond repair.
Missouri Tornado 2011 Death Toll
The tornado that has ripped through Missouri on 23rd May has claimed 116 lives according to a city official. This makes it the deadliest twister ever in USA from the time National Weather Service started keeping tab of these natural disasters 61 years back.
Missouri Tornado 2011 Recovery Operations
Mark Rohr, the city manager, has informed reporters that 40 different agencies have presently been deployed to carry out the post tornado rescue and recovery operations in this city, situated in southwestern Missouri.
The first two responders were struck by lightning when they tried to brave continued rain and high winds and search for the survivors. Rohr is, however, yet to provide any information on the condition of the rescue activists.
Till the night on 23rd May they have been able to rescue 17 people. Jay Nixon, the governor of Missouri has stated from the National Guard Armory of Joplin, that every part of the city needs to be searched thoroughly.
He has expressed optimism that more people could be saved after the Missouri Tornado 2011. He has also expressed remorse at the pain felt by the first responders.
Missouri Tornado 2011 Damage Levels
The tornado that occurred on 22nd May basically tore through the densely populated part in Joplin. Hundreds of people have been injured as the tornado tore the homes and business establishments apart.
A high school was also ripped apart by the Missouri Tornado 2011 and there was severe damage to one of the hospitals in the city. The twister has been ranked EF-4 with wind speeds ranging from 190 to 198 miles per hour.