Breaking down the aftermath of the Joplin tornado

On May 22, a massive F-5 tornado ripped through Joplin.

Since then, volunteers, emergency responders and residents have been cleaning up the mess and trying to regain a sense of normalcy. Three months after the destruction, here are a few statistics you might not know: 

• More than 150 people died as a result of the tornado.

• More than 500 businesses were destroyed or damaged.

• About 400 businesses reopened, relocated or are in the process of reopening.

• 5,000 employees in Joplin were left without a place to work, according to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

• 1,200 people sought unemployment benefits.

• According to the City of Joplin Public Information Office, 82,622 registered volunteers gave 408,526 hours of service as of Tuesday.
• The tornado damaged or destroyed 7,500 housing units.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved $17 million for the Individual Assistance Program that helps with housing and other unmet needs in Jasper and Newton counties.
• According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency removed 1.5 million cubic yards of debris.
• More than 400 law enforcement and fire department agencies responded.

•  1,308 pets were rescued and brought to animal shelters. Of those, 528 pets were reunited with their owners and 745 were adopted.

Sources: FEMA, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Joplin Public Information Office.