Deadly tornado flattens US town

One of the worst tornados in over sixty years has hit the Missouri town of Joplin, leaving complete destruction and at least 177 dead in its wake.  To make matters worse, rescue efforts to find survivors and those who are missing is been hampered by thunderstorms and the threat of more violent weather to come in the next few days.

The tornado was around a mile wide and flattened most of the town, even taking out the local hospital, it is the deadliest single twister in the US in 64 years and the second major natural disaster to strike in less than a month. Authorities also fear that the death toll could rise, especially with more severe weather warnings on the way. Not only that any plans to start rebuilding and clearing rubble could also be hampered.

Many people’s homes in the area are completely destroyed, with whole neighbourhoods being reduced to slabs, as well as cars crushed like cans and debris littering the streets. Rescue workers have been constantly working since the tornado hit, through bad weather and fires from gas leaks around the town.  Shops, offices and the local high school were also ripped apart, with debris carried in the powerful winds being found up to sixty miles away.

Speaking about the devastation, US President, Barack Obama said he will be travelling to the affected area on Sunday after he returns from his trip of Europe, to speak to those affected by the tornado.

Picture courtesy of  macahanC6R

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