Joplin - the Missouri Perspective
Joplin Mo stands tall, according to the Joplin Globe – the local online newspaper, in yesterday's opinion column. They are grateful for the immediate response of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Red Cross and the Missouri National Guard.
“But” says the Joplin Globe, “as with any disaster anywhere, what matters most are people helping other people, one on one, family on family, people working — some heroically — as a community. And Joplin is standing tall in that regard even as more clouds thunder overhead. Homes still standing are being filled with friends, neighbors and loved ones who have no homes. There are currently beds available in shelters along with food and clothes. Insurance checks are already being written to begin the rebuilding process, and more will follow in the coming days. Most important, the city, while devastated, seems to be maintaining its calm.”
Missouri cities from nearby and across the state, as well as cities in neighboring states of Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma sent first responders within hours of the F5 tornado strike which destroyed a 6 mile long, mile wide swath of homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and government buildings through the center of town. Police, firemen and medical personnel were and are involved in triage of the wounded; grid searches to locate storm victims; fighting fires; managing traffic; using the ambulances they provided to transport the injured to the closest hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas; providing canine support teams for the grid searches; clearing debris; and assisting with security in the area.
The Kansas City Star reported that Missouri Gas Energy, Kansas City Power and Light were also among first responders to assist the local utility companies. Sprint, ATT and Verizon Wireless also responded with mobile cell towers and generators.
Joplin citizens are currently suffering through long lines to get permits to travel into/out of the affected areas. In spite of the extra security, some looting has been occurring. Search and rescue is still ongoing, recovery efforts will no doubt start in the next day or so. Following that, debris cleanup will commence and finally re-building.
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