Monster Tornado in Joplin, MO: The Devastation and Destruction

Here is a first person video of the tornado.  I couldn't even imagine going through something like this.

 The people in this video huddled in the back of the store until the glass got sucked out , then they ran into the walk in storage fridge. 




Here is a video of the trail of destruction after the monster tornado in Joplin.



Here is another video of the destruction left after the MASSIVE tornado



According to Reuters at least 116 lives were lost due to the tornado. And to make matters worse Joplin has a thunderstorm on the way which will slow down the recovery. It is the deadliest tornado since 1947.  Could you imagine waking up to find out that half of your town disappeared? This is so shocking!! This is so sad. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones who are mourning their loss, and the survivors of the monster tornado.

From USA Today here is a list of ways that you can help the victims of the tornado:

First up, the Red Cross encourages people to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website to let loved ones know they are safe by visiting http://www.redcross.org/ or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). From a smartphone, visit www.redcross.org/safeandwelland click on the "List Yourself as Safe and Well" or "Search for Friends and Family" link.

- The Community Foundation of Kansas City has created two funds to pool donations, which you can make donations to online - the Joplin Missouri Disaster Relief Fund and the Reading Kansas Disaster Relief Fund. Community Foundation staff will perform the due diligence to ensure that grants from both funds are awarded to organizations addressing the immediate needs of the victims of the tornadoes, such as providing food, shelter and medical care/supplies. If you would like to donate with your credit card, please call 816-842-7444.

- Convoy of Hope's disaster response team has been in contact with emergency management officials to determine how best they can assist with responding to the disaster. The first truckload of essential supplies such as water, snacks and ready-to-eat meals was transported this morning to the Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. More supplies will be following as Convoy of Hope works with local emergency officials to determine what locations and products will best serve the response. Those wanting to help can make a secure online donation at www.convoyofhope.org or can make a $10 text donation by texting the word, CONVOY to 50555. Standard message and date rates apply.

- The Salvation Army is providing emergency relief services to survivors and first responders of the Joplin tornado. The Army has mobilized four feeding units in impacted areas of the city and are offering food and beverages. The organization is also providing relief services in other impacted cities that were hit by tornadoes over the weekend, including: Minneapolis; Reading, Kan.; and Grove and Ketchum, Okla. There are four ways to help:

• Text the word "Joplin" to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
• By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY – Joplin Tornado Relief
• On-line at: www.donate.salvationarmyusa.org
• By mail: Send your check to:
  Joplin Tornado Relief
  The Salvation Army
  3637 Broadway
  Kansas City, MO 64111

- Red Cross emergency response vehicles are already responding in Missouri, helping to transport supplies to the shelter. Those who want to help people affected by disasters can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; people can also text the word "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

- World Vision's disaster response director arrived in Joplin today. The organization raised its tornado response appeal to $5 million to meet additional needs in Missouri and Minnesota. To support these relief efforts, text TORNADO to 20222.

- From Feeding America, here is a link to a list of food agencies that are helping the hungry in this tornado-striken region.

For additional information and resources to help those effected by the Joplin tornado, visit Facebook.