![]() ![]() Oklahoma City manager Nick Nazar told reporters that the death toll could have been far higher if not for a shelter in the Newcastle community, where 1,200 people found refuge ahead of the storm. Further storms were expected Wednesday night and into Thursday in Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana and Kentucky. Another four were killed in Arkansas, and two more in Kansas. (See “ As more storms move in, death toll rises in Joplin, Missouri”)Īlthough still early in the tornado season, the country has seen major damage from over 1,000 tornadoes in 2011, and at least 505 people have died.įive tornadoes struck suburbs of Oklahoma City Tuesday night, killing at least nine. Many victims were crushed under tons of rubble at a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The city coroner’s office is struggling to identify some of the dead using DNA testing and dental records. The storm obliterated 1,800 acres, or about one-third of the city. Rohr told reporters that 8,000 structures, including individual apartments in large complexes, were completely destroyed. The city of 50,000 suffered catastrophic damage from the tornado, which is now classified as the strongest category EF5. “We are still in a search-and-rescue mode,” Joplin city manager Mark Rohr said at a press conference. Local emergency crews and volunteers were still conducting laborious house-by-house searches through thunderstorms Wednesday. Missouri Governor Jay Dixon had declared that efforts would shift from searching for survivors to recovering the dead by Tuesday afternoon. City officials, who have not yet issued a revised death toll, report that 124 have died, and hundreds remain unaccounted for. At Freeman Hospital, where critically injured victims are being treated, workers said 11 people have died. They said they believed what they went through was a sign that they made the right the decision.Ĭox and his sister were first recognized for a widely publicized video of their frantic search to find each other.The number of fatalities in Joplin continues to rise. The newlyweds said they weren't sure if they should continue with the ceremony, but family members urged them to go ahead with their plans. "During this day of prayer and this memorial service, I invite all Missourians to pause and remember their neighbors and draw upon the resources of their faith in support of their fellow Missourians," Nixon said in a statement.Īhead of the moment of silence Aaron Cox and McKenzie Watson, a young couple who both lost their homes, tied the knot, giving guests - many of whom lost their homes and loved ones - a moment away from the pain and grief today. However, they caution that many on the list may have been killed in the storm.Īs the community of Joplin continues to clear debris, recover, and make sense of the aftermath left from the strong 200 mph winds that seized upon them last week, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon proclaimed Sunday a day to a pause for those affected by the storm. With cell service still considered spotty, authorities say they believe many of the missing could be alive, but not in a position to get in touch. it includes human and partial remains," she said. "The tornado that went through this community was not limited to just building and structures. To avoid mistakes and inaccurate identification Spillars said the identification of victims is being conducted by matching remains with X-rays, dental records and other identifying marks. Missouri Department of Public Safety deputy director Andrea Spillars said 50 officers have been working around the clock to notify family members of the status of missing family members with "accuracy and respect, with the hope that healing and mourning can begin." ![]() May 28, 2011— - The death toll now stands at 139 from the tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri, a week ago, with more than 100 people still unaccounted for, officials said today. ![]()
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