U.S. President Obama visited Joplin, Missouri Sunday to attend the memorial service, one week after the city was battered by the deadliest single tornado, according to local media.


Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (L) and Joplin Mayor Michael Woolston (R) listen while US President Barack Obama speaks to press while touring tornado damage in Joplin, Missouri. Obama, paying tribute to victims of one of deadliest tornadoes in US history, pledged to stand with Joplin "every step of the way" as it rebuilds. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
Obama flew over the worst-hit area of the city, viewing it from above, before landing in Joplin. Obama said that it's going to take years to build back and he urged Americans to donate to the Red Cross, which is assisting storm victims who have lost their homes. Tornadoes, he said, can happen to anyone, according to CNN.


Obama offered condolences and encouragement to the tornado victims, while delivering his speech during the memorial service after touring the 6-mile-long storm-ravaged area and meeting with storm survivors. "This is not just your tragedy, this is a national tragedy, and that means there will be a national response, " Obama told the people of Joplin.


Obama praised the solidarity the people of Joplin had shown when tornado hit as well as people who have engaged in heroic efforts for the people of Joplin. He promised that "the country will be there with you every step of the way."


The tornado touched down into the heart of the Midwest city near 6 p.m. local time on May 22, destroying neighborhoods and killing more people than any other U.S. tornado since modern recordkeeping began in 1950. In the last month, tornadoes killed more than 300 people and caused more than two billion U.S. dollars of damages to the U.S. South.


VietNamNet/Xinhuanet