Emergency crews in Joplin, Mo., are still searching for survivors after an EF-4 tornado plowed through the southwestern Missouri town. There have been a reported 116 deaths.
"You see pictures of World War II, the devastation and all that with the bombing. That's really what it looked like," Kerry Sachetta, the principal of Joplin High School, told ABC News. "I couldn't even make out the side of the building. It was total devastation in my view. I just couldn't believe what I saw."
The school -- along with the city's main hospital, Walmart and Home Depot -- were flattened in the Sunday afternoon disaster.
"This tornado basically started over Joplin and stayed there for a long time," Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said. "It is devastating but we are working hard to continue to find those that are still alive."
Nixon said that five families have been pulled from the rubble, but rescuers are still searching for survivors.
The devastation in the city has prompted relief organizations like the American Red Cross to mobilize to the area. You can also help in a variety of ways.
Donate to the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has set up a donation page on their official website that allows you to give directly to Joplin tornado relief. The Joplin Chapter of the Red Cross needs supplies as well '" call (417) 624-4411 or info@redcross-ozarks.org to find out what is needed most.
Blood Donations
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is in dire need of blood donations from all blood types, especially type O. The organization has several donation points in the area '" view them all from their website.
Volunteering
If you're near Joplin and want to help with relief efforts, the United Way and 211 Missouri are organizing volunteers via their website. You can also call them directly at (800) 427-4626.
Doctors and nurses are also needed. The Greater Ozarks chapter of the Red Cross is organizing medical volunteer efforts through their hotline: (417) 832-9500.
More volunteer efforts will likely develop in the coming days '" follow the Joplin Volunteer and Outreach Station, Joplin Tornado Citizen Checks and Joplin, MO Tornado Recovery on Facebook to keep up-to-date with the latest information on how you can help the people of Joplin.
Have you heard of other Joplin tornado relief efforts?
Meagan Morris is a freelance multimedia journalist who focuses her work around important cultural and women's issues around the globe. Follow her on Twitter @upsidemeagan.
