Tornado hits Joplin, death toll on the rise now at 124

The tornado that has ravaged Joplin has been described as the single deadliest tornado to hit the US at least since 1950, the number of people missing is put at about 1,500. About 30 percent of Joplin’s buildings were destroyed by the Sunday evening twister, which cut a 3/4 mile swath and sported winds of 198 mph. It was unclear whether those missing managed to flee the area or whether they are trapped under the debris. The death toll was said to be at 124 as at  7:20pm on Tuesday. The tornado in Joplin brought the number of people who have died in U.S. tornadoes to 489 so far this year. A tornado watch has been placed on Joplin as authorities suspect that there may be another tornado hit.