Gov. Tate Reeves is requesting significant federal assistance for five Mississippi counties impacted by a tornado outbreak earlier this month.
The Republican governor announced Tuesday that he has requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following the tornadoes, severe storms, and other inclement conditions that hit on May 6-7. Specifically, Reeves is seeking aid for Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Wilkinson counties. A major disaster declaration unlocks comprehensive federal financial and physical assistance for states, local governments, and individuals impacted by natural disasters.
During the severe weather event, Mississippi was struck by seven tornadoes, 26 people were injured, and more than 425 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
“The state of Mississippi will continue to do everything in its power to help Mississippians rebuild and recover,” Reeves said. “My major disaster declaration request is the next step in that process. Our state continues to pray for those recovering from injuries and for the families and communities affected by these storms.”
In the counties for which Reeves is requesting special assistance, Federal Emergency Management Agency-validated numbers show that 88 homes were destroyed, 112 received major damage, 140 had minor damage, and 85 residents were impacted.
In the meantime, joint damage assessments have been conducted by both federal and local emergency management crews. Damage assessments indicate that the eligibility requirements have been met for public assistance, per the governor. As these assessments continue, additional counties could be added to the tally qualifying for relief.
Assistance will be provided on an individual and public basis. Individual assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals recover from the effects of a disaster. Public Assistance is to support local governments, and certain nonprofits recover from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and the restoration of public infrastructure.
Before any relief comes, the governor’s request must be approved by the president. While waiting to hear back from the federal level, Reeves added that the state will remain in close communication with emergency managers, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and private-sector partners to recover from the storm.
