President Joe Biden declared a mass state of emergency in Mississippi, making federal aid available to the state early Sunday morning after it was devastated by a deadly tornado on Friday.
The proclamation allows the federal government to fund Carroll, Humphries, Monroe, and Sharkey counties, the hardest-hit areas during the epidemic.
Assistance available to those affected includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover the loss of uninsured property, and assistance for individuals and business owners to recover from destruction. Includes other programs that may help
The White House said additional assistance may become available once an ongoing damage assessment is completed.
Tornado in Mississippi: Violent twister kills at least 25 people, leaves 100-mile destructive path
On Saturday, March 25, 2023, only piles of rubble, insulation, damaged vehicles and furniture remain at Mobile Home Park in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. ((AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis))
Federal funding will be available on a cost-sharing basis to select private nonprofits, states, tribes, and eligible local governments for emergency work in four counties and statewide hazard mitigation efforts can also do.
In the announcement, Biden added that FEMA coordinator John Boyle was appointed to oversee federal recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The roof of a house is damaged by debris covering the ground Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Silver City, Mississippi. ((AP Photo/Michael Goldberg))
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed Saturday afternoon that 25 people had lost their lives and dozens were injured in the severe storm, noting that four people had been reported missing.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency early Saturday afternoon, with all state agencies fulfilling their emergency responsibilities as appropriate, and outlining Mississippi’s comprehensive emergency management plan. I made it possible.
Aerial video taken Saturday morning in Amory, Mississippi, shows the destruction caused when a tornado hit the area on Friday. ((Sky Bama/LSM))
Meteorologist prays for Mississippi residents in tornado path during broadcast: ‘Dear Jesus, help them’
Early on Saturday, Biden tweeted his condolences to Mississippi residents, promising that “we will do everything we can to help.”
“Jill and I are praying for those who lost loved ones in the devastating tornadoes in Mississippi and those who are missing loved ones. @tatereeves, @Senator Wicker, @SenHydeSmithand @BennieG Thompson We express our condolences and offer full federal assistance,” the president wrote.
Biden followed up by tweeting that FEMA has deployed emergency response personnel and resources to assist with search and rescue efforts and damage assessments.
“We will work together to provide you with the support you need in your recovery for as long as you need it,” he concluded.
Rescuers and first responders climb a park of trailers destroyed by a tornado on March 25, 2023 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. ((AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis))
The outbreak spread through Alabama and Tennessee, causing tornado-warning storms in neighboring states through Saturday morning. In Alabama, a man has died after his home’s trailer flipped over multiple times.
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Residents and business owners in four Mississippi counties who have experienced a loss can apply for assistance at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov800-621-3362, or FEMA App.
