More Than $2 Million In Disaster Aid Approved For Mississippians; 881 Have Applied For Assistance 

Release Date: April 30, 2003
Release Number: 1459-05

» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Jackson, MS -- A total of $2,076,253 in federal/state disaster aid has been approved for Mississippi residents who were affected by the April 6th through 14th, 2003 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. President Bush, at the request of Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, declared 28 Mississippi counties as disaster areas.

As of today, 881 Mississippians have applied for the various forms of federal/state disaster assistance.

The counties in which residents are eligible for disaster aid are: Amite, Attala, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Laurence, Leake, Lincoln, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Walthall, Warren, Wayne and Yazoo.

Anyone who suffered storm, tornado or flood damage April 6th through 14th should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance.

The following is a breakdown of the more than $2 million in federal/state disaster aid approved for Mississippians:

Mississippi's coordinating officer for disaster recovery, Leon Shaifer, said, "We are pleased with the number of Mississippians who have applied so far. All residents who sustained damage during the early April severe storms, tornadoes and flooding who have not yet applied for aid should do so immediately. All it takes is one free phone call to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a hearing or speech impairment, call TTY 1-800-462-7585."

Individuals, families and business owners who reside in the designated counties and who sustained disaster losses during the declared severe weather period, are eligible for a wide range of disaster assistance programs.

Carlos Mitchell, the Federal Emergency Management official in charge of the recovery effort, added, "Don't delay if you think you may be eligible for assistance. If you were uninsured or underinsured and suffered storm damage during April 6th through 14th, and have not yet registered for assistance, the time to do so is now. Calling FEMA's application line begins the process for receiving disaster aid."

Last Modified: Thursday, 01-May-2003 13:36:21