This report is from our sister station, KY3, in Springfield, Missouri:
JOPLIN, Mo., -- In spite of the unforgiving pre-summer swelter, the work goes on to cleanup a six-mile swath of destruction, which was left behind after an EF-5 tornado barreled through Joplin a little more than two weeks ago.
Jakie Oliva doesn't know anyone in the area, but that didn't stop the seventeen-year-old from catching a plane in her home state of Alaska to fly to Kansas City, where she and her mom hopped in a car and drove to Joplin to lend a hand.
"Grab whatever and pile them from wood to metal and different orders, because you have to separate them," explained Jakie, as she helped sort through what was once someone's home.
The work has to be done. Any personal belongings homeowners want to save, should be removed from their property no later than June 15th.
Slowly but surely, progress can be seen. There are more than 70 trucks cleaning up the devastated areas.
The task is so enormous, city leaders speculate it will take several passes before the seemingly endless piles of debris are removed.
At the same time, the city is tackling the daunting task of finding temporary housing for all those in need of shelter.
"These will likely be in the form of manufactured housing spread out over approved in-place paths that are currently in existence in our local area," said Mark Rohr, Joplin City manager.
The city manager says the first round of housing should be available in about 10 to 12 days.
Even though it's not home, the housing will help lessen the burden for what's sure to be a long-term recovery. It's an effort eased thanks, in part, to those working hands and giving hearts who have come from far places to help.
"I'm glad to be here and help out as much as I can. Eventually it will be a town again," said Jakie.
