Joplin, MO

Disaster Description

Joplin is located in the south west corner of Missouri, very close to the Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas borders. Joplin was named after Reverend Harris Joplin, an early settler in the area and the founder of the area’s first Methodist congregation. Today, approximately 50,000 people live within city limits. The surrounding metropolitan area is home to nearly 175,000 people. Nearly 15% live below the poverty line.

On May 22, 2011 an EF-5 tornado cut through the center of Joplin, MO. The tornado grew to over a mile wide. In addition to 7,000 homes being completely destroyed, the town’s infrastructure was also heavily damaged, including the hospital and school. In addition to the loss of property, 159 lives were lost during the storm, making this disaster the second deadliest tornado in all of US history.

MDS Response

Local MDS volunteers responded to the news of the tornado immediately. Within 24 hours, volunteers were helping to clear access roads and were working with local farmers to help move animals to safety. In the weeks to follow, thousands of volunteers poured into the area to begin the job of cleaning up. Weeks later, the first repairs began and will continue for years to come.

Photo Gallery

Leland Hostetler mapping out work area

Leland Hostetler goes over the work plan for the day with Kevin King.

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Cleaning up in Joplin, MO.

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An MDS volunteer works on the storage building.

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Leland schedules clients, Ron and Pat, for property clean up. Their home was destroyed by the tornado.

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The second floor of this home in Joplin, MO, was ripped off by the tornado.

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MDS volunteer rakes to collect small debris in Joplin, MO. -photo by J. Klink

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MDS volunteers at work in Joplin, MO.

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A homeowner talks with Jerry Klassen, Disaster Response Coordinator, Kevin King, Executive Director, and Leland Hostetlet, Volunteer Coordinator for the Joplin response, about MDS volunteers coming to help clear debris.