The Hill News

President Obama early Monday offered condolences to the families of those killed in a massive tornado that swept across Missouri on Sunday.

At least 89 people were killed in the town of Joplin, Mo., according to the Associated Press.

"Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the tornadoes and severe weather that struck Joplin, Missouri as well as communities across the Midwest today," the president said in a statement. "We commend the heroic efforts by those who have responded and who are working to help their friends and neighbors at this very difficult time. At my direction, FEMA is working with the affected areas' state and local officials to support response and recovery efforts, and the federal government stands! ready to help our fellow Americans as needed."

The New York Times reported that a major hospital in town was flattened and had to be abandoned. The triage unit set up on its grounds to attend to patients had to be moved across the street temporarily after the hospital caught fire, the paper reported.