FEMA approves individual assistance for 36 Mississippi counties hit by winter storm

Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved individual assistance for residents and business owners in 36 Mississippi counties affected by winter storm Fern. The storm struck the state from Jan. 23 to 27, causing widespread damage and power outages, according to Gov. Tate Reeves.

Reeves announced Saturday that President Donald Trump approved the state’s request for assistance. The storm knocked down thousands of trees and power poles, leaving about 180,000 customers without power at its peak. The storm also resulted in 29 fatalities, Reeves said.

The approved counties include Adams, Alcorn, Attala, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Warren, Washington, Yalobusha, and Yazoo, along with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Individuals affected by the storm can apply for aid online or by phone. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-interest loans for uninsured property losses. Applications can be submitted through FEMA’s website or by calling 1-800-621-7585. Hearing or speech-impaired applicants should call 1-800-462-7585. The disaster number is DR-4899, according to FEMA.

Source: Original Article