Memorial Service Held Today in Joplin, Missouri — Tornado Death Toll Rises to 142 — How We Can Help (video)
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on May 29, 2011
A volunteer stands in a destroyed neighborhood in Joplin, Missouri. The tornado that wrecked up to a third of the city of 50,000 last week was rated to an EF-5, or the highest rating possible on the Enhanced Fujita scale of tornado power and intensity. | Photo: Reuters
The heartbreak hasn’t let up in Joplin, Missouri. The tornado that ripped through Joplin last week was the single deadliest in U.S. recorded history.
Thousands of people are homeless. A hospital and Wal-Mart and countless other buildings were destroyed. Many people are still missing and the reported death toll, as of a news report released yesterday is now 142, according to Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr. The initial report of those killed by the tornado was 89, and the death toll has risen steadily over the past week.
Reported by Joplin Globe, Governor: community memorial service Sunday:
JOPLIN, Mo. — In a press conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Missouri Southern State University, Gov. Jay Nixon said “The people of Joplin will need to turn to a higher power to help them overcome the disaster that has struck their community.”
Before the press conference, Nixon met with members of Joplin’s faith-based community to talk about how they will help the community pull together in this hour of need.
Nixon said his meeting with the ministers of several churches was one of the most inspiring moments of his career as a public official.
Nixon said a memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday.
H/t to Gateway Pundit for this video of the Joplin memorial service held this morning — summary of video:
Classy as always… Obama sits in front row and chews gum during the sermon at Joplin Memorial Service.
Pastor Aaron Brown from Joplin gave a powerful sermon today at the Joplin Memorial Service.
This news video below of parents talking about their young children who were killed is beyond devastating. This is something no parent should ever have to experience — prayers to this family and to so many others in Joplin as they try to piece their lives back together.
KWTV/KOTV: Joplin’s tornado kills father’s two young sons
ABC News, Joplin, Missouri, Tornado Death Toll Rises:
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.
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.”
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.
“The tornado that went through this community was not limited to just building and structures … it includes human and partial remains,” she said.
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. However, they caution that many on the list may have been killed in the storm.
As 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.
From CNN:
(CNN) — Missouri authorities have identified additional people killed in last weekend’s tornado, bringing the toll of the United States’ single deadliest twister ever recorded to 142 deaths, authorities said Saturday.
Among the dead was Will Norton, a recent high school graduate who attracted national attention when he disappeared during the storm.
The 18-year-old was driving home from his graduation Sunday when the tornado destroyed the Hummer H3 he and his father were in.
“Mark (Norton’s father) said that he reached over and he grabbed Will with both of his arms … he held on to him until he possibly couldn’t anymore and so he’s feeling really bad about that because as a dad you don’t want to ever let go of your kids. You want to protect them forever. But at least we know that he did absolutely everything he possibly could,” said Tracey Presslor, Norton’s aunt, through tears.
Norton’s body was found Friday by divers in a pond close to where his vehicle had been.
Meanwhile, 100 persons remain unaccounted for, the Missouri Department of Public Safety said in a statement Saturday.
Deputy Director Andrea Spillars acknowledged earlier that families are frustrated that the identification process hasn’t proceeded quickly enough the past week.
There are some signs of hope as Joplin begins to rebuild.
From BBC, Tornado death toll in Joplin, Missouri, rises to 142:
The number of people killed by last Sunday’s massive tornado that struck the city of Joplin, Missouri, has risen to 142, officials say.
The toll, released by city manager Mark Rohr, is an increase of three from the previous total.
Also on Saturday, a list of 156 people missing dropped to 105 after more were accounted for.
President Barack Obama will visit Joplin on Sunday to take part in a memorial service.
Among the newly confirmed victims was teenager Will Norton, who was sucked from his father’s car as they drove home from his high school graduation.
More than 600 volunteers and 50 dog teams are still scouring the shattered remains of homes and offices for survivors or victims.
“We’re going to be in a search and rescue mode until we remove the last piece of debris,” Mr Rohr said earlier.
Joplin police say they have made 17 arrests for looting.
Michelle Malkin has posted this information on how we can all help the people of Joplin:
Amid the devastation, neighbors, friends, and strangers are pulling together.
Jim Hoft has the story of a St. Louis Facebook group organizing 4 truckloads of supplies to Joplin.
Relief organizations are in full force.
Reminder:
Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or visit the website to donate, give blood or volunteer.
AmeriCares has sent disaster-relief personnel to Joplin, and it’s working with Access Family Care Clinic to help victims. This expands AmeriCares’ tornado relief operation, which has been assisting various Southern states as they recover from their own recent tornado outbreak.
Tornado devastates neighborhood
Tornado chaser: ‘I got it on video’
‘As if bomb went off’ in JoplinDonations to AmeriCares can be made online or by phone at 1-800-486-HELP.
The disaster-response team with Convoy of Hope is heading to Joplin with a truckload of water, snacks and ready-to-eat meals. It is coordinating with local officials to determine what additional supplies should follow and at what locations they can provide essential supplies.
Those wanting to help can text the word “CONVOY” to 50555 to make a $10 donation. You can also donate online or by calling 1-417-823-8998.
The Heart of Missouri United Way has established the Tornado Relief Fund to help victims.
Text “JOPLIN” to 864833 to make a $10 donation, or call 1-573-443-4523.
The United Way of Greater St. Louis is accepting donations and volunteers to help those impacted in the Joplin area.
Those interested in volunteering should list their availability and expertise on their Joplin Storm Recovery Volunteer Form.
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God bless these people.