On May 22, 2011, at 5:41 pm, the seventh largest tornado in U.S. history struck the heart of Joplin, Missouri, wiping nearly a quarter of the town off the map.
Twenty minutes and thirteen miles later, the tornado lifted, the storm moved out of Joplin, leaving behind millions of pounds of the scraps that was once peoples’ lives.
More than 10,500 homes were destroyed and 161 people lost their lives.
One year later, the town is still bares the scars of devastation, but the people of Joplin haven’t given up, they’re rebuilding.
Facts about the Joplin tornado:
More than 130,000 volunteers from across the country put in more than 810,476 hours of community service in Joplin since the tornado.
800 new trees have been planted.
553 businesses were destroyed.
4,500-5,000 employees were temporarily out of work.
Five schools were destroyed.
More than $150 million has been spent on cleaning up and rebuilding.
CDL Life visited Joplin almost one year to the day after the tornado. Here’s a look at the mending now.
If you can’t see the slideshow window below, just click this link to view the photos directly at Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdl-life/sets/72157629867763430/show/