Photo: Storm damage from Silver City Friday night, March 24. (Credit Storm Chaser Sidney Grimmett on Twitter)
Mississippi woke up Saturday morning to news that at least 23 people had died as deadly tornadoes struck parts of the state on Friday evening, March 24.
The Rolling Fork and Silver City area was especially hard hit with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirming the tragic information:
Members of Mississippi Task Force 1, which includes personnel from DeSoto County, were called to assist and were in Rolling Fork Saturday morning.
Morning Update as of 6:20am: We can confirm 23 dead, dozens injured, 4 missing due to last night's tornadoes. We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted
MEMA added that “unfortunately, these numbers are expected to change.”
Search and rescue teams were deployed into Sharkey and Humphreys counties after the reports of damage began to come into emergency officials.
Reaction has started to come in from state officials.
At least twenty three Mississippians were killed by last night’s violent tornados. We know that many more are injured. Search and rescue teams are still active.
The loss will be felt in these towns forever. Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.
Horrific news to wake up to this morning in our Mississippi. Many lives lost and at least two towns flattened. There are no words. Please keep the families of those suffering in your prayers. https://t.co/VyYWpJD6hU
It was a tragic night in Mississippi. I am heartbroken by the loss of life and damage to communities. I stand at the ready to support disaster declarations as we look to recover from the devastation these tornadoes left in their wake. Praying for all affected. 🙏
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) March 25, 2023
Senator Roger Wicker also pledged to work for assistance.
I am actively working with state, local, & federal officials to see that recovery efforts proceed at once. Our delegation will work together to make sure Mississippi families & businesses receive prompt federal assistance. Gayle & I are praying for our devastated communities.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
