The Joplin Missouri Disaster
Joplin Missouri Disaster Relief - Updated 5/26/11
If you haven't noticed it has been an intense year for natural disasters. I don't know if it's just me but there has been more than any year that I have been aware of. This year alone we recorded a great number of tornadoes. Also tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic activities have been on a rise or have been recorded either frequent or stronger than ever.
On May 22, 2011 a tornado struck in the south-western part of Missouri in Joplin (the fourth largest metro area in the state). Nearly a third of the city was destroyed within a short time. The monstrous tornado destroyed nearly a 6 1/2 mile stretch (1 mile wide) that killed 125 people so far and destroyed almost all the houses in the Missouri city. The devastating tornado took down St. John's Regional Medical Center, the city's hospital rendering the building unsafe for operation. Hospital employees had but a 20 minute warning before windows were blown and the infrastructure destroyed . Patients were all moved to other hospitals in nearby regions. Other businesses affected was local Walgreens, Home Depot, a restaurant, a grocery store and many small businesses. Fires burn for most of the morning across the city. The death toll of 125 is still expected to rise.Currently there are 232 people missing, a long haul from the 1500 originally reported but not confirmed.
Gov. Jay Nixon has told the media that officers are combing the city looking for survivors. More than 40 federal and state agencies have connected in an effort to help out. A lot of the city's power lines are down and a new storm is said to be on it's way. The governor went on to declare a state of emergency. Currently over 14,000 people are without electricity. The tornado has been recorded as one of the worst ever recorded in the last 6 decades. The city of about 50,000 people was left unfamiliar. Contents from all over town was found 60-70 miles away including items from the hopsital.
President Obama announced from that he will be visiting the city on the weekend.
HOW CAN I HELP?
If your in Missouri call 211 Missouri for local directories.
For volunteering call (800) 427-4626
The contact or volunteer with the American Red Cross:
Go to The Missouri Southern State College @
3950 E. Newman Rd in Joplin @ the Leggett & Platt Center.
To Donate to the American Cross for relief in Joplin go to there website HERE
Also contact
State Emergency Management Agency for further volunteering or donations including resources to be extradited for the city.
2302 Militia Drive
P.O. Box 116
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-9100
Fax: (573) 634-7966
If you need help or want to donate to long term help for Joplin and other disaster stricken victims from Missouri go to
MIDRO which is The MIssouri Interfaith Disaster Relief Organization
If you are a Joplin resident and need a place to stay or are looking for someone from the city then go to 7th and Maiden Ln for assistance.
The National Americorp Volunteers have set up a national hotline for residents to call to check on family & friends in the area. Call (417) 659-5464 for that service.
Joplin, Missouri
