St. Johns Hospital After 5-22 Tornado
Digital News Report – The EF5 tornado that hit Joplin Missouri on Sunday has killed 132 people, making it the single deadliest tornado since 1947.
Today Governor Jay Nixon instructed staff to take $25 million from next year’s budget to be used to help victims of the tornado. This is on top of another $25 million already taken from next year for flood victims in southeastern Missouri.
Yesterday the state released a list of the 156 individuals that were unaccounted-for. Six people were confirmed diseased but another 22 individuals were added to the list. The good news is that 90 people who were missing were located. Initially, the Red Cross estimated 3,000 were missing.
City officials say that there are 600 volunteers working in the city along with 50 dog teams. Those affected by the tornado can apply for assistance from FEMA.
“We will not rest until everyone is accounted for and that list is zero,” Governor Nixon said.
The governor signed an executive order that prohibits insurance companies from increasing rates on any policy starting on or after May 22nd. Also, since so many people may have lost their prescription drugs, insurance companies will be required to cover the cost of drugs, even if the consumer filled their prescription recently.
The Attorney General is also on the lookout for people price gouging. “Unfortunately, there are people who see opportunity in disaster,” Attorney General Chris Koster said Friday. “Scam artists will show up, pose as charities, and fraudulently solicit donations from people who are anxious to help those in need.”
By: Tim Edwards
Image: public domain
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