Monday, May 23, 2011

joplin mo tornado news Update Tornado kills 89 in Joplin, Missouri

World Top Stories News -joplin mo tornado news Update Tornado kills 89 in Joplin, Missouri , Missouri Tornado destroys most of Joplin, Missouri - joplin mo tornado, joplin mo news, joplin tornado, joplin mo weather, joplin mo tornadoes :

[Updated at 6:38 a.m.] Between 25 to 30% of Joplin, Missouri suffered major or significant damage from the tornado, Mitch Randles from the Joplin Fire Department said during a news conference.

"Its cut the city in half," he said, referring to how it has been for officials to comb through the city to get to residents.

He echoed the news that 89 people were confirmed dead, but said "I anticipate that number will climb."

"I anticipate we still have people trapped in structures," Randles said.

[Updated at 6:31 a.m.] Officials in Joplin, Missouri said Monday morning that 89 people died as a result of the tornado that "tore a destructive path" through the city.

Both state and local emergencies have been declared.

The tornado's path was at least 1 mile wide in some areas and possibly larger in other areas.

"We know many people are hurting at this time and it is indeed a sad day in Joplin," City Manager Mark Rohr said during a press conference.

Rohr said the tornado went through the "major residential part" and a "large commercial district" before it moved out of town.

[Updated at 6:27 a.m.] A Red Cross worker estimates 75 percent of Joplin, Missouri was destroyed by last night's vicious tornado that hurled debris as far as 70 miles away. The high school, the hospital, a couple of fire stations and a strip mall - all in shambles. Governor Jay Nixon has called in the National Guard.

Officials are expected to hold a press conference at 6:30 a.m. to update the press on the situation on the ground. Aerials and videos show massive destruction across town. (source ews.blogs.cnn.com )

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