[VIDEO] Joplin Missouri Tornado Update: 24 Dead, National Guard Deployed

A tornado in Joplin, Missouri, is being blamed in the deaths of up to 24 people. Updated: Currently, officials now say at least 89 people have died as a result of the tornado. According to sources who talked to CNN Sunday, the Joplin, MO, tornado destroyed up to "75% of the town", and flattened everything in its path. Storms ripped through the entire Midwest region and into the south, spawning tornado activity in Missouri, Texas, Kansas, and as far north as Wisconsin.

The damage in Joplin, Missouri, was reportedly especially heart-breaking. According to TV station KKTV, 24 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the storm and tornado thus far, with the sad potential that number could rise.

Joplin Missouri Tornado Kills Residents, Levels Buildings

As seen and hear in this video of the damage as described by a witness, the devestation in Joplin, MO, is significant and widespread. Gas stations were demolished, electrical power lines were downed, and trucks were overturned. You can see by the weather graphics in the video, the storm that hit Joplin was intense, and the witness indicates it was a fast and furious touchdown.

In the aftermath of this violent storm cell, the National Guard has been deployed in the state of Missouri, according to CNN. Insurance claims personnel are also said to have been dispatched to the scene. It is as yet unknown the full human toll of the tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, on Sunday, nor the total estimated property damage.

According to JoplinMo.com, "Joplin is located in southwest Missouri in the 'four states' region encompassing Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas."

Source: CNN video May 22, 2011

KKTV article confirms 24 dead in Joplin tornado

Joplinmo.com