President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Mississippi following severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flash flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the declaration at the request of Gov. Tate Reeves.
The storm, which occurred June 18-20, damaged 532 homes, 17 businesses, and five farms across the state, according to officials. Reeves expressed gratitude for the federal support, saying it would bolster recovery efforts and provide additional assistance to residents. “This declaration will further strengthen our recovery efforts and deliver additional support to Mississippians,” Reeves said.
Individual Assistance has been approved for Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties. Residents in these areas can apply for aid, which may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs. Public Assistance is authorized for Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne counties. This aid covers debris removal, emergency protective measures, and public infrastructure repairs.
Individuals seeking assistance can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-FEMA, or use the FEMA app. Relay service users should provide FEMA with their relay contact information. The disaster number is DR-4930.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
