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Tornado death toll in Joplin, Missouri, rises to 142 | |
(about 6 hours later) | |
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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | Joplin police say they have made 17 arrests for looting. |
The tornado, with winds of 200mph (322km/h), was one of the most destructive in US history. It injured more than 900 people and carved a swathe of destruction through the city. | The tornado, with winds of 200mph (322km/h), was one of the most destructive in US history. It injured more than 900 people and carved a swathe of destruction through the city. |
Day of prayer | Day of prayer |
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared Sunday an official State Day of Prayer and Remembrance. | Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared Sunday an official State Day of Prayer and Remembrance. |
US and Missouri flags will fly at half-mast over all government buildings in the state throughout the day. | US and Missouri flags will fly at half-mast over all government buildings in the state throughout the day. |
The memorial service will be held at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. | The memorial service will be held at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. |
Gov Nixon said in a statement: "During this day of prayer and this memorial service, I invite all Missourians to pause and remember their neighbours and draw upon the resources of their faith in support of their fellow Missourians." | Gov Nixon said in a statement: "During this day of prayer and this memorial service, I invite all Missourians to pause and remember their neighbours and draw upon the resources of their faith in support of their fellow Missourians." |
On Saturday the US National Weather Service said 2011 was already the deadliest year for tornadoes since 1950, when precise figures were first kept. | On Saturday the US National Weather Service said 2011 was already the deadliest year for tornadoes since 1950, when precise figures were first kept. |
The death toll so far this year stands at 520. The previous highest recorded death toll in a single year was 519 in 1953. | The death toll so far this year stands at 520. The previous highest recorded death toll in a single year was 519 in 1953. |
The first funeral of a confirmed victim from the Joplin tornado was held on Friday. | The first funeral of a confirmed victim from the Joplin tornado was held on Friday. |
Hundreds of mourners gathered at a church in Galena, just over the Kansas border, for the funeral of Adam Dewayne Darnaby, 27. | Hundreds of mourners gathered at a church in Galena, just over the Kansas border, for the funeral of Adam Dewayne Darnaby, 27. |
So far at least 19 bodies have been released to families, but many are yet to be formally identified. | So far at least 19 bodies have been released to families, but many are yet to be formally identified. |
Officials say that, wherever possible, they prefer to base identifications on DNA, medical records and also distinguishing features such as tattoos and piercings. | Officials say that, wherever possible, they prefer to base identifications on DNA, medical records and also distinguishing features such as tattoos and piercings. |
However, some families of victims say the delays are adding to their distress. | However, some families of victims say the delays are adding to their distress. |
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