WASHINGTON – Last night, President Biden approved Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a federal disaster declaration after recent storms – including multiple tornadoes – brought severe damage to the State of Mississippi. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., supported the governor’s ask.

A declared federal declaration initiates the process for federal funds and support to flow to Mississippi’s communities. Specifically, Governor Reeves’ declaration included a request for assistance for Hancock, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Neshoba, and Scott Counties.

See the full letter here or below:

Dear President Biden,

Recent storms – including multiple tornadoes – brought severe damage to the State of Mississippi. Together, we request your full consideration of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’s request for a federal disaster declaration.

We appreciate the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in assisting with past disasters and anticipate expeditious support from the agency in assisting state and local officials as Mississippi recovers from these severe storms.

Initial damage reports indicate Mississippi experienced an atmospheric disturbance, which generated multiple tornadoes, supercell thunderstorms, flooding, and severe straight-line winds from April 8 to 11. Two Mississippians lost their lives, and at least 11 were injured. As Governor Reeves noted, damage assessments report that at least 108 homes, businesses, and other structures were destroyed or suffered significant damage.

This declaration includes a request for Individual Assistance for Hancock, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Neshoba, and Scott Counties. Additionally, it contains a request for statewide Hazard Mitigation assistance.

Available resources from state and local governments and volunteer organizations are inadequate to meet the state’s recovery needs. To recover, Mississippi needs significant federal assistance and cooperation.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort.