Joplin, Missouri Tornado Leaves Nearly 100 Dead, Death Toll Expected to Rise

Rescue teams were deployed throughout Joplin, Missouri Monday morning in the wake of a deadly tornado that ripped through the city Sunday evening. At least 89 people have been confirmed dead so far. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as people may be trapped under rubble of businesses and homes.

The tornado, reported to be about 1 mile wide, touched down in Joplin around 6 p.m. Sunday. The storm had winds of nearly 200 mph. Joplin Emergency Management Director Keith Stammer told CNN’s “American Morning” the twister rippled through the densely populated "central portion of the city.”

Officials estimate about 30 percent of Joplin was damaged by the tornado. Numerous homes and businesses were completely destroyed. St. John’s Regional Medical Center was directly hit by the tornado. According to reports, every window in the building was broken and the roof had been completely ripped off. The hospital has been completely evacuated.

Even after the storm ended danger remained for Joplin residents. Broken natural gas lines sparked fires throughout the city overnight. Residents have been advised to not light cigarettes or any other fires.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Sunday after the tornado. "These storms have caused extensive damage across Missouri, and they continue to pose significant risk to lives and property," he said. "As a state, we are deploying every agency and resource available to keep Missouri families safe, search for the missing, provide emergency medical care, and begin to recover."

President Barack Obama released a statement about the devastation Sunday night. "Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the tornadoes and severe weather that struck Joplin, Missouri as well as communities across the Midwest today. We commend the heroic efforts by those who have responded and who are working to help their friends and neighbors at this very difficult time," he said. "At my direction, FEMA is working with the affected areas' state and local officials to support response and recovery efforts, and the federal government stands ready to help our fellow Americans as needed.”

Joplin’s tornado was part of a system of storms that began to hit the Midwest on Friday. In all, 70 tornadoes were reported over the weekend in seven states.

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