Midwest Tornadoes Kill 89 in Joplin, Mo.

Rescue workers today searched for victims of fierce storms that ripped through several Midwestern states
this weekend, killing at least 89 people in Joplin, Mo., where a
devastating tornado touched down and left trapped survivors still crying
out for help this morning.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Sunday evening and
activated the Missouri National Guard in response to the destruction.

St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo., was fully evacuated
after it took a direct hit from the tornado. Every window in the
facility was blown out and the roof was torn off. Seven people have
been reported dead at a nursing home, according to police reports.

In the city of about 50,000 people 160 miles south of Kansas City, the
tornado was reported to be a mile wide, with winds of nearly 200 mph
that ravaged the area.

Authorities estimate 25 to 30 percent of Joplin has been damaged by the
tornado, with highly populated areas having been hit by the storm.

Cries could be heard early this morning from people trapped below the
wreckage, while crews have been pulling out bodies and lining them up in
the streets for loved ones to identify, according to ABC News affiliate KODE.

 

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