More Than $714,500 in Disaster Aid Now Delivered; 778 Applications for Disaster Assistance Received So Far 

Release Date: December 21, 2001
Release Number: 1398-13

» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Jackson, MS -- Federal and state disaster assistance to the 15 disaster-stricken Mississippi counties reached $714,576, today. More than 778 applications have been received from individuals, families and business owners who sustained disaster losses resulting from the tornadoes, flooding and severe storms, which began November 24th.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has sent out Individual and Family Grant checks to 58 families totaling $208,152, while $453,024 in disaster housing assistance checks was sent to 316 families. The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $53,400 so far in low-interest disaster recovery loans.

"Anyone who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage during the recent tornadoes, flooding and severe storms is urged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's toll-free registration line and register," said Leon Shaifer of MEMA. "If you have any questions about whether you are eligible or not to receive assistance, call 1-800-621-3362 and let the disaster professionals decide your eligibility. You may be eligible for assistance and not realize it."

Applications taken by county are: Bolivar, 75; DeSoto, 115; Hinds, 4; Humphreys, 91; Lafayette, 1; Leake, 1; Madison, 90; Panola, 68; Quitman, 177; Sunflower, 34; Tate, 19; Tunica, 10; and Washington, 93. The counties of Grenada, Lafayette, Scott, Leake and Tunica were added yesterday for disaster assistance to individuals.

Gracia Szczech, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's official in charge of the recovery effort, said, "If any resident or business owner affected by the recent storms or flooding has not applied to FEMA for disaster assistance, now is the time to do so. To register is a simple process, requiring one toll-free phone call. The number to call and register is 1-800-621-3362, or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired."

Last Modified: Tuesday, 23-Sep-2003 14:07:24