Joplin updates: 17 found alive; officer struck by lightning

[proud2BlibKansan]

JOPLIN | Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says authorities have found another 10 people alive in the wreckage left by a tornado that killed 116, bringing the number of rescued survivors to 17.

But Nixon says he fears the number killed by the storm that slammed into the southwest Missouri city of Joplin on Sunday evening will grow higher as search and rescue efforts continue.

Nixon told The Associated Press on Monday night he doesn’t even want to guess how high the death toll will eventually climb, but he says: “Clearly, it’s on its way up.”

The tornado tore a six-mile-long, half-mile wide path through the middle of Joplin. Much of the city’s south side was leveled, with churches, schools, businesses and homes reduced to ruins by winds close to 200 mph.



Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/23/2897662/governor-says-17-found-alive-in.html#ixzz1NEGBjvrG

A Riverside police officer was injured by lightning Monday while helping with rescue-and-recovery efforts in Joplin, Riverside Public Safety said.

The officer, 31, is being treated at a hospital there with “significant” injuries. He was standing next to an all-terrain vehicle when lightning struck the ground next to him late Monday.

The injured officer, who has worked in Riverside more than four years, is one of four Riverside police officers in Joplin. The city also sent six public-works staffers and two firefighters to help with recovery.



Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/23/2897710/riverside-police-officer-hit-by.html#ixzz1NEGWfT7x

[aquart]

1. Thanks for the updates.

I really appreciate them.