Reeves declares State of Emergency after tornado damage
Photo: Tornado damage along Highway 49 at Silver City in Humphreys County (Credit MHP Greenwood on Twitter)
Gov. Tate Reeves, on Saturday, March 25, issued a State of Emergency in all counties affected by the severe storms which occurred across Mississippi on March 24, 2023. The State of Emergency comes less than 24 hours after severe weather, which included tornadoes, tragically took the lives of at least 23 Mississippians and left dozens more injured, and caused extensive damage to communities across Mississippi.
“I’m devastated by the destruction and loss of life that these storms have caused,” said Reeves. “The state of Mississippi will continue doing everything we can to marshal every resource available to support our fellow Mississippians who are in need. The state will be there to help them rebuild. We’re not going anywhere and we’re in it for the long haul. Please join me in praying for the family and friends of those who lost loved ones in this trying time.”
Reeves directed all state agencies to discharge their emergency responsibilities as deemed necessary and set forth in Mississippi’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
Reeves’ State of Emergency can be found here.
Lt. Gov. also visited Rolling Fork on Saturday and has these comments after his visit.
“The devastation, both in terms of loss of life and damage, is overwhelming here in Rolling Fork,” Hosemann said. “The priority right now is search and rescue in addition to assessment of immediate needs. We are in conversation right now with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, local emergency officials, local government leaders, school district superintendents, and others about how the Legislature may be able to assist with monetary resources in this area and the numerous other impacted areas in our state.”
“Mississippi is a big neighborhood,” Hosemann continued. “We will get through this together. We are grateful for all of our first responders and community leaders who will be integral to the process of grieving, cleaning up, and rebuilding in the coming days and weeks.”
