At a news conference Monday, Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr said the death toll from Sunday’s tornado is up to 116.  The tornado devastated the city, ripped homes from their foundations and inflicted major damage to the area’s main hospital.  A FEMA official said the government is behind Joplin and will offer long term support.

Governor Jay Nixon says they’ve now rescued 17 victims who survived the twister.

City officials said the biggest help most people could give is to stay away.  Joplin Police are dealing with looters, but no major cases are reported.  Governor Jay Nixon says 110 State Troopers are in Joplin along with 265 National Guardsman.

A federal disaster declaration from FEMA has extended disaster assistance to individuals and families in Jasper and Newton counties, which bore the brunt of the devastating severe storms and tornadoes there.

Under this declaration, individuals may be eligible for federal assistance to cover uninsured losses or expenses, such as temporary housing, home repair and replacement of household items.

Local agencies are helping out in Joplin.  Six Buchanan County Sheriff’s deputies will deploy in the disaster zone to help with recovery, rescue, security or whatever else they need.

Eight volunteer disaster specialists from the Midland Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross have been deployed in leadership roles to help with housing and feeding operations.

Public Works from the City of St Joseph, and a medical team from Heartland Regional Medical Center are also pitching in.