Governor Jay Nixon Describes Joplin as “Total Devastation” After Tornado

Total devastation. That’s how Governor Jay Nixon described the scene in Joplin, last night. He’s activated the Missouri National Guard to respond to tornadoes and severe storms that ripped through the state. Dozens of people are reported dead. The Governor declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Representatives from local agencies are headed there to help. Saint John’s Regional Medical Center took a direct hit. Rubble, no power for critical patient care, fires reported throughout the facility. Residents in Dade County, 70 miles away, found X-Rays and medical records from Saint John’s in their yard.