Missouri U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill joined Missouri Governor Jay Nixon on Tuesday in touring destruction caused by the Joplin tornado.
The death toll from the tornado that crushed Joplin has risen to 117, Mr. Nixon said on Tuesday, making it the deadliest such event in the U.S. since 1953.
“You get a sense of devastation through pictures, but in person the scope is overwhelming. I can’t imagine the pain of families who’ve lost loved ones,” Ms. McCaskill said.
The tornado, which hit the town of Joplin, Missouri, injured thousands of residents and destroyed nearly 2,000 homes and businesses. The tornado hit Joplin about 6 p.m. Sunday, cutting a six-mile swath through the city.
The White House announced early Tuesday that President Obama will travel to the state in an effort to meet with survivors and volunteers. Federal funds are currently in route to the area to help local and state volunteer cover emergency work, repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
Mr. Nixon said he had spoken with Mr. Obama and confirmed the president would travel to the state on Monday.
“He indicated he would provide whatever support is necessary,” Mr. Nixon said. “This has been a dramatic and difficult time. We ask that everyone through the region, the country, to continue to pray for folks.”
