The most significant May 2011 strike was in Joplin, MO, on May 22nd. 134 people lost their lives.

A rash of killer tornadoes, touched down on May 24th in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas and over 60 tornadoes, less deadly, were reported in the central mid-west again on May 25th.

First video - helicopter fast pass (Sent by Beverly Maltsberger; received from a colleague in Joplin.)  Taken within hours of the tornado's passing, as emergency vehicles were beginning to arrive.

Aerial "Swipe" view of the high-impact area of Joplin

Early article from UK - many before (Google) and after (UPI) site photos

FEMA's June 1 National Situation Update (copied directly):

Joplin, Missouri (Jasper County)

The tornado that occurred on May 22 in Joplin (population 49,024) in Jasper County has now been upgraded to an EF-5; the most heavily populated areas and the major business and commercial areas were hardest hit along a path a mile wide for 13.8 miles; EF5 winds are in excess of 200 mph.

A State of Emergency had already been declared for the recent storms in the State. There have been 142 confirmed fatalities; more than 1,371 injuries and the unaccounted for list has been reduced from 232 to 10. [By day's end the missing list had been cleared and death to reductedt to 134.] The state reports Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) set up at St. John's Hospital is operational. Landmark Hospital (small long term care facility) continues to work on generator power; no restoration date.

Eight primary schools damaged or destroyed; 2 fire stations destroyed. Critical damage was sustained to the City of Joplin communications system. Cell/wire line phone service was severely damaged but is substantially restored. Childcare and emergency childcare continues to be an unmet need. There is 1 shelter open with 141 occupants. Approximately 7,000 customers remain without power Sunday evening. The water system restoration is 70% complete.
PDA teams surveyed 7,728 homes;

• Of the 7,105 single homes surveyed:
  • 494 sustained minor damage, 331 sustained major damage; 6,280 homes were destroyed
• Of the 623 multi-family homes surveyed:
  • 22 sustained minor damage; 28 sustained major damage; 573 were destroyed

External Affairs
All Community Relation (CR) Specialists are posting 1-800-flyers, providing registration information and information on consumer fraud, 211 information, Safe & Well registration and child care information for displaced people.

End of quote from FEMA's June 1 National Situation Update.