Tornado Devastates Missouri City

A massive tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri Sunday evening, reportedly killing dozens.

In response, Governor Jay Nixon has sent the Missouri National Guard to the affected area and the State’s Emergency Management Agency is mobilizing medical assistance, mobile command vehicles and search and rescues teams.

FEMA Director Craig Fugate has been deployed by President Obama to help coordinate the response, along with a FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team.

According to a statement from the White House, “The President assured the governor that FEMA will remain in close contact and coordination with state and local officials” and pledged that the “Federal government will continue to support our fellow Americans during this difficult time.”

The death toll currently stands at 89, according to a report to the AP, but could rise as rescue workers continue their search.

The Missourian government has released the following information for those in the area:

Missourians interested in volunteering to assist should call (800) 427-4626 or 2-1-1. Those with medical skills interested in volunteering should go to: https://www.showmeresponse.org/.

Missourians wishing to make donations to help with the relief effort can go to http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/recover/donations.asp or call (800) 427-4626 or 2-1-1.

Residents affected by the tornado who wish to notify their friends and family that they are safe should go to: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php. Friends and family who would like to check on their loved ones in the affected area can use the same site.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call

2-1-1. The United Way’s 211 service number is now available for most areas in Missouri. In areas where the 211 number is not operational, citizens can call 800-427-4626.