June 26, 2008 Shattered past yields to stronger future Play video

(NECN/ABC) - One month ago, Parkersburg, Iowa was destroyed by a powerful tornado. It was as if someone turned it upside down and turning it right side up, will take time.

Street by street, a huge section of Parkersburg still shows wounds from the relentless force of nature, a tornado so big and powerful that it tossed everything in sight, even driving metal and glass into the earth.

Volunteers clean and clear one house at a time, putting aside the scattered pieces of people's lives.

There is still no estimate of damage, but the clean-up bill is expected to run $5.4 million.

Reporter Jay Villwock has the story.