MEMA gives latest details on storm damage in north Mississippi

TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY and YALOBUSHA COUNTY — Severe storms that moved through the state last Thursday night are blamed for widespread damages to several homes in North Mississippi.

Initial damage reports sent the State Emergency Operations Center in Pearl show nearly two-dozen homes in Tallahatchie and Yalobusha counties were either destroyed or sustained major damage.

Damage reports by county are as follows:

• Tallahatchie: 14 homes destroyed, seven with major damage and 24 with minor damage

• Yalobusha: One home destroyed, two with major damage, 11 homes with minor damage

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency staff members are working with the local counties to assess the damages and to ensure that all the needs of their residents are met. Disaster assistance teams from the American Red Cross and other members of Mississippi Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters are helping the counties provide assistance to their citizens in the impacted areas.

“We really appreciate the work that the voluntary organizations are doing in these communities,” said MEMA director Robert Latham. “The Mississippi VOADs and other local faith based and non-governmental organizations are key partners in helping these families get back on their feet and on their way to recover.”