The state of Missouri is no stranger to violent tornadoes. The state has been hit on several occasion. Last Sunday, May 23, 2011 at about 5:30 p.m. a massive, deadly tornado slammed into the city of Joplin, Missouri. Not fewer than 89 people lost their lives. Joplin is close to the Kansas border with a population of about 55,000 people.

Packing winds of about 200 m.p.h, the storm ripped through the city's center and damaged business places and homes. The Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon, has since then declared a State of Emergency and alerted the people of Missouri that more storms are expected. The tonado in Joplin caused widespread damage. The roof of houses were completely blown off. Almost everything in its path including churches, schools,and hospitals were torn done. The telephone and power lines were also thrown to the ground and a number of vehicles were damaged and seated on their hoods.

At least three other states have been affected. Minneaapolis, Minnesota reported that at least one person has lost their life. This monstrous storm has reminded the people of Missouri of the March, 1925 tornado in Joplin, which was one of the most destructive to ever hit the USA, which left almost 700 dead in Missouri.

The St John Regional Medical Center was hard hit and not fewer than 100 patients had to be transferred to nearby medical facilities. The powerful force of the strong winds tossed debris such as medical supplies from the hospital to about 45 miles away. It is estimated that about 30% of the city has been destroyed. Following the passing of the tonado in Joplin, rescue and search is in progress to find survivors. However, the stormy conditions are preventing quick cleaning up activities. Also impeding the clean up effort are the fallen trees, power lines and many gas leaks which have already been the reason for some overnight fires.

The fire chief, Mr Rohr, spoke of the resilience of the people of Joplin and promised that they would rebuild. An evacuation center has been opened by the Red Cross at the Missouri State University in Joplin to house those who are affected by the tornado in Joplin. Supplies of blankets, cots, water, and food have began to reach the affected area.

President Obama, who is now visiting Ireland, has already expressed his condelences to the families who have lost their love ones. Governor, Jan Nixon, has put the emergency machinery in place including agencies and resources to ensure the safety of the people of Missouri. Missourians are urged to be opened to information on the tornado in Joplin and be up to date on the weather news.They are asked to co-operate with instructions and warnings so as to be safe and minimise the lost of lives and other damages.

This is really a stormy year in the southern states. Last month alone had about 200 tornadoes resulting in the death of 350 people in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Georgia, and Virginia.