President Barrack Obama has toured Joplin, which was battered by a destructive Tornado on May 22 claiming more than 100 lives and leaving 900 injured.

You look out at the landscape there, and there have to be moments where you just say, 'Where to begin? How to start?' There are going to be moments when, after the shock has worn off, you feel alone, he said at a community memorial service held at Missouri Southern University.

I can promise you that your country will be there with you every single step of the way. We're not going anywhere, Obama said.

The main thing I just want to communicate to the people of Joplin is this is just not your tragedy. This is a national tragedy and that means there will be a national response. We're going to do everything we can to continue whatever search and rescue remains. We are doing everything we can to make sure that folks get the shelter that they need, the support that they need, Obama said.

On May 22, 2011, Joplin was struck by a destructive tornado, resulting in at least 125 deaths and over 900 injuries, along with major damage to numerous houses, businesses and multiple school buildings. The tornado was reported to be about 1/2 mile (0.8 km) in width and 4-6 miles length. An official statement from the National Weather Service has categorized the Joplin tornado as an EF5, the highest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with winds of at least 200 mph.