JOPLIN, MO. (AP) -- Update: Authorities say at least 89 have died in the massive tornado that struck the southwest Missouri city of Joplin.
City manager Mark Rohr announced the number at a pre-dawn news conference outside the wreckage of a hospital that took a direct hit from Sunday's storm.
Rohr said the twister cut a path nearly six miles long and more than a half-mile wide through the center of town.
Much of the city's south side was leveled, with businesses, homes and restaurants reduced to ruins.
Officials struggling to communicate without power and cell phone service have been leery of putting a hard figure on a death toll.
The Missouri National Guard is continuing its search for the injured throughout the night.
Emergency management officials are rushing heavy equipment to Joplin in the wake of the massive tornado.
The storm left behind piles of brick and wood where homes once stood. Cars were ripped apart and thrown on top of each other.
President Barack Obama says the Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with state and local agencies in response to the storm.
Obama expressed condolences to families of those who died.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
