WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement regarding the storms that devastated communities throughout Mississippi on April 28, 2014:

“My prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and the communities across the state now hard at work to pick up the pieces.

“We are grateful for local officials, weather forecasters, and first responders who saved lives by getting the word out that people should seek shelter from the storm. This is government at its best – when state, local, and federal forces, alongside the news media and private business, work together to keep people out of harm’s way. There is no doubt that this cooperation and communication saved hundreds of lives across the South yesterday.  Both will be instrumental in preparing for the additional storms in the forecast today.

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently on the ground in impacted areas. We are also working closely with state and local officials to ensure that additional federal assistance is on its way soon.

“Mississippians are known for being resilient in the wake of tragedy. We have overcome unprecedented challenges in the past, and we will do so again. Nature’s wrath may be fierce, but the American spirit – including that of Mississippians – of fellowship and perseverance will move us forward.”