Old Uncle Joe has finally approved the issuance of federal aid in the wake of a declaration of major disaster stemming from a highly powerful storm sporting straight-line winds and very deadly tornadoes that ravaged sections of Mississippi and Alabama this past weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 people and injuring countless more.
As explained in recently released reports, an EF-4 tornado throwing wind gusts at a speed of close to 170 MPH tore down most of the community of Rolling Fork, a town with a population of about 2,000 neat the western border of Mississippi. As explained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Tornadoes that reach the EF-4 and EF-5 power levels are thought to be as rare as they are violent.
Officials for the Biden administration have stated that aid would be sent out in the form of temporary housing and home repairs, reduced-cost loans to help with uninsured property losses, and a number of other programs seeking to help both business owners as well as individuals start recovering from the effects of the disaster. Biden admin officials recently approved the aid for the counties of Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey in Mississippi to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.
“Jill and I are praying for those who have lost loved ones in the devastating tornadoes in Mississippi and for those whose loved ones are missing,” stated Biden. “The images from across Mississippi are heartbreaking. While we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, we know that many of our fellow Americans are not only grieving for family and friends, they’ve lost their homes and businesses.”
Tate Reeves, the Republican Governor of Mississippi, also elected to declare a state of emergency for all areas affected. Reeves has called for prayer as part of a recent post to social media in the wake of the death toll shooting past 20 as a result of the storm.
“The loss will be felt in these towns forever,” stated Reeves. “Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”
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.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 25, 2023
Eldridge Walker, the Mayor of Rolling Fork, expressed to CNN, ” the city is gone.”
LaDonna Sias, the cities Vice Mayor, explained to the outlet that she could hear people screaming as they took shelter in bathrooms and closets when the storm ravaged its way through the town and destroyed her home.
“It seemed like forever until that noise stopped,” explained Sias. “It was just totally devastating. Even though we lost everything, this stuff can be replaced. Material things can be replaced, but to lose a loved one – it was just heart-wrenching.”
