Sunday, May 22 at 5:41 PM a tornado classified EF5 tore through the souther third of Joplin Missouri, in the Diocese of West Missouri. It has since been classified as the eighth deadliest tornado in the US. The death toll as of 6/15/11 is 153, over 1000 were injured. The area of destruction covers 18,000 acres; over 8,000 structures were either totally destroyed or significantly damaged. CC photo from the Ozarks Red Cross.
Ways to Respond
Prayer. Bishop Martin Field of the Diocese of West Missouri wrote, "Pray for the repose of the souls of those taken in this terrible event. Pray for the recovery of the injured. Pray for the Joplin community, now facing the stress of recovery even as they deal with the traumatic stress of this weather induced catastrophe."
Giving
Diocese of West Missouri's Joplin Fund -
Episcopal Relief and Development, US Disaster Fund
First Response agencies and charities including American Red Cross-Ozarks, United Way, Americorp, Catholic Charities of Joplin, Lutheran Social Services, and others.
Volunteering
United Way 211 Statewide Volunteer Needs/Resources Coordination
rebuildjoplin.org -
State of Missouri resources
City of Joplin
Find a Blood Donation center near you.
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