More Than $1.5 Million in Disaster Aid Now Delivered in Mississippi 

Release Date: January 4, 2002
Release Number: 1398-20

» More Information on Mississippi Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Jackson, MS -- Federal and state disaster assistance to 15 disaster-stricken Mississippi counties reached $1,561,463 today. Applications totaling 1032 have been received from individuals, families and business owners who sustained disaster losses resulting from the tornadoes, flooding and severe storms, during the November 24 through December 17, 2001, period.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has approved Individual and Family Grant checks totaling $813,047 to 220 families, while $663,516 in disaster housing assistance checks was sent to 492 families. The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $84,900 so far in low-interest disaster recovery loans.

"There is only one month left to register for assistance. Anyone who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage during the recent tornadoes, flooding and severe storms and has not registered yet, is urged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration line as soon as possible and register," said Leon Shaifer of MEMA. "I'd like to remind everyone that 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, 95; DeSoto, 133; Grenada, 5; Hinds, 4; Humphreys, 110; Lafayette, 3; Leake, 3; Madison, 99; Panola, 95; Quitman, 251 Scott, 1; Sunflower, 63; Tate, 21; Tunica, 19; and Washington, 130. The counties of Grenada, Lafayette, Scott, Leake and Tunica were added December 20, for disaster assistance to individuals.

FEMA's Gracia Szczech, the federal official in charge of the recovery effort, said, "The deadline to register for disaster assistance is February 5. All residents and business owners who were affected by the recent storms and who have not registered with FEMA for assistance yet, should do so as soon as possible. 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 13:25:18