Before And After Photos: Devastation Of The Joplin, Missouri Tornado

These photos(from AP) are of Joplin, Missouri before and after the powerful tornado(twister) tore the city.

At least 132 people were killed and more than 900 people were injured.

By Friday, about 156 people were still missing.

The tornado that hit Joplin on Sunday was rated an EF-5 or the strongest possible.

It scored a direct hit on the city of 50,000 people in southwest Missouri and left a swath of destruction nearly a mile wide, damaging some 8,000 buildings.

It is reportedly the worst single tornado in modern US history.

I am very sad to see the photos.

So many people are suffering and there are children missing during the disaster.

I pray that they will be okay.

Joplin, Missouri has been devastated by a tornado that has killed 125, and the death toll continues to rise. These before and after arial photos show the extent of the destruction throughout the city.« Read less (Photo: AP)

This photo shows 26th street, a main road that runs through the heart of Joplin. (Photos: Navteq, AP)

Entire residential blocks were flattened by the tornado. (Photos: Navteq, AP)

This whole apartment complex was destroyed by the tornado, and the swimming pool stripped completely. (Photos: Navteq, AP)

The roof of Joplin's Home Depot was torn off the building. Many of the dead were found at this Home Depot, likely trying to seek shelter as the storm hit. (Photos: Navteq, AP)

This Wal-Mart store was also destroyed by the tornado. (Photos: Navteq, AP)