Disaster Zone

Obama: Missouri Tornado a 'National Tragedy'

In ravaged Joplin on Sunday.

Visiting ravaged Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado killed at least 139 people and damaged about 8,000 buildings a week ago, President Obama declared the disaster “a national tragedy.” Obama toured the scene following a six-day visit to Europe and met with survivors, telling reporters that he heard “harrowing stories” and also some “miraculous ones,” including one about an 85-year-old man who somehow survived the disaster “without a scratch.” The president also urged Joplin residents that federal support will stay in Joplin. “We’re going to be here long after the cameras leave,” he said, while also predicting that rebuilding efforts would be “a tough, long slog.” Obama, who was accompanied on the tour by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), is also scheduled to speak at a memorial service for victims at Missouri Southern State University.