Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has requested federal assistance after a swarm of tornadoes tore across the state on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15.
“These storms had a devastating impact on our communities throughout Mississippi,” Reeves said, per a press release. “Our state continues to pray for those who lost their lives, are recovering from injuries, and their families. We’ll do whatever it takes to help Mississippi communities rebuild and recover. This request is the next step in that process. The state of Mississippi will be there for as long as it takes.”
During the mid-March weekend, Mississippi had 18 confirmed tornadoes cross through. The severe weather resulted in seven deaths, nearly 30 injuries, and multiple regions experiencing damage.
The request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency asks for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance in 20 counties.
The state is requesting Individual Assistance for the following counties: Carroll, Covington, Grenada, Holmes, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Smith, and Walthall. FEMA-validated numbers show 233 homes were destroyed, 208 homes received major damage, 230 homes received minor damage, and 92 additional homes were impacted in the counties.
Individual Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, among other assistance, to help residents recover from the effects of the tornadoes.
The state is requesting Public Assistance for the following counties: Calhoun, Carroll, Covington, Grenada, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Lee, Leflore, Marion, Pike, Prentiss, Sharkey, Smith, Walthall, and Washington. According to Reeves, the counties saw an estimated $18.2 million worth of damage, meeting the threshold requirements to be eligible for the FEMA program.
Public Assistance is to support local governments and certain nonprofits recover by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and the restoration of public infrastructure.
President Donald Trump, who has openly discussed plans to reshape FEMA, must approve Mississippi’s request for federal assistance for it to become available. However, Reeves said the Sunday after the tornadoes moved out that he had spoken with the White House and the administration was willing to help.
