Officials: All accounted for after Joplin tornado; identities confirmed for 134 killed

JOPLIN, Mo. – Everyone reported missing since last week’s massive tornado in Joplin has been accounted for, state officials said Wednesday, and at least 134 people have been confirmed killed.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety said the confirmed death toll of 134 includes 124 people who had been on the unaccounted-for list, seven people who were taken immediately to funeral homes after the storm, and three people who have since died in the hospital from their injuries.

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More than 8,000 homes and apartments, and more than 500 commercial properties, were damaged or destroyed in the tornado.

Officials said the final 10 people on the list were tracked down by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which has led the effort to find the 268 people listed as unaccounted for after the May 22 tornado.

The announcement came as crews began the long task of removing debris from the damage zone. City and federal officials warned Wednesday that people should take precautions to avoid dust and other airborne particulates that could contain hazardous material.

The Army National Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Missouri National Guard and other agencies are working together on debris removal that will raise potentially hazardous dust as bulldozers move piles of rubble and streets are swept.

FEMA said more than 7,000 Joplin-area residents have registered for assistance since the EF-5 tornado that packed winds of more than 200 mph (320 kph).