A massive tornado literally flattened Rolling Fork last night, killing 23 people. More are missing and the death toll will probably climb. Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency. MEMA issued the following statement this morning:
The State of Mississippi is responding to the devastating tornadoes that swept through the state overnight on March 24, 2023. At the time of this release, 23 are confirmed dead at this time, dozens are injured and four people are missing. The fatalities are reported in Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll, and Monroe counties. The National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork (19719 US-61, Rolling Fork, MS) is opening to assist in sheltering operations. Life safety is the number one priority and damage assessments will begin soon. A FEMA Team is en route to assist the state. Humphreys County is using its multipurpose building for shelter. The American Red Cross will set up a shelter at the Greenville Multipurpose Center. The Red Cross is also providing food offering one thousand meals for breakfast, one thousand meals for lunch, and one thousand meals for dinner.
ESF-1
District 1 (Northeast Mississippi)
There is significant damage in Amory along Highways 6 and 25. Crews from Monroe County are unable to get into Amory from the south where their headquarters is located due to the number of power lines that are down across the road. Crews from Itawamba County are coming from the north to assess damage in Smithville and cut any trees across the road on their way to Amory. Crews from Lee and Chickasaw County are mobilizing to assist the Monroe and Itawamba crews.
District 2 (Northwest Mississippi)
District 2 has a good bit of tornado damage east of Winona mainly along Hwy 407. Montgomery and Attala counties crews are out working to get it open as soon as possible.
District 3 (West Central Mississippi)
D3 Roads are currently clear for the exception of a small cut through highway, SR 826, near the Fire Dept. in Rolling Fork, which the Fire Dept. closed because of a lowered power line. That small section is closed until they clear it, MDOT is not involved in this closure.
While there are no reports of damaged roadways in District 3, the Rolling Fork MDOT campus is reporting significant damage.
Some MDOT employees have damaged and/or lost homes in the Rolling Fork area. Some of those with damaged homes reported overnight to keep the area roads clear and safe.
While Rolling Fork state roadways are CLEAR, MHP is currently detouring big trucks around Rolling Fork due to low or damaged power lines to allow the power company time to repair them.
District 5 (East Central Mississippi)
All District 5 roads are clear and no damage to roads, property or equipment is being reported by maintenance crews.
District 6 (Southeast Mississippi)
No storm-related damage reported
District 7 (Southwest Mississippi)
No storm-related damage reported
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
Multiple task form teams and the Mississippi State Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks are working in Rolling Fork, Amory, and Monroe Counties.
ESF 8 – State Department of Health
Patients from Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital were transferred to other hospitals and nursing facilities. The University of Mississippi Medical Center sent pediatric transport to Yazoo City to assist with three pediatric injuries. Covington County EMS sent ambulances to Rolling Fork. Pafford Ambulance Service is providing a mobile hospital and support staff at the Mississippi National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork.
ESF 12- MS Public Utilities Staff
Atmos Energy has cut gas lines in Rolling Fork for the safety of all residents and first responders.
Energy companies are asking the public to report any smell of natural gas to their energy company or 911. The number for the Atmos Emergency line is 866-322-8667.
22 comments:
Awful. So sad
Amory is a much larger city and experienced similar destruction as the twister cut a path through the city. They currently have no water, and no power. Their water plant no longer exists.
So much death and destruction is sad beyond belief.
Supplies for the survivors in that area are being collected Sunday at the Youth Center of First Baptist Church in Clinton. Many of the survivors now have nothing, so anything will help - food, diapers, water - anything.
Now is not the time to drive up there for sightseeing. Help needs to be organized, not curious.
NG armory in Amory received significant damage.
Will Rukia contribute some of her slush fund money to support those impacted?
Mississippi will have to wait for aid as the money is going to the Ukrainians first.
Decent technical discussion. Skip to 1:30. Shows the punch into Amory.
Anybody heard from Bennie about helping these folks?
So sad that you rubes would bring politics into this disaster . No wonder you keep getting let behind.
@1:55 PM Bennie is too busy trying to indict MAGA folks and DJT. He has his priorities (and his legacy).
“I spoke with President Biden and FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell, and they have assured me that as soon as the request for the major disaster declaration for the State of Mississippi arrives, they will expedite the approval. We will continue to work for the people who were impacted by this tragedy.” Congressman Bennie Thompson
How bout Comrade Cindy ?
I am quite sure the Congressman will do everything he can to help the area.
No true conservative should request a single cent from uncle Sam!
Do not fall into the the RINO trap!
Preliminary report from the NWS is that it was an EF-4 tornado.
Rolling Fork, Silver City, Winona, Amory have been destroyed.
Between Hurricanes in the fall & tornados in the spring Mississippi gets it from both ends. I wish the feds would give money for shelters.
Why isn't Thompson, Guest, Wicher & Hyde-Smith promoting this.
How are the Police & Fire Departments and Hospital doing and are any operational? It is so hard to wrap our heads around the pictures we are seeing. Thank you to all of the people who have come to help Mississippi. May everyone feel God’s love in the days to come!
Anonymous tip:
There are approximately 200 Army guardsmen from the Amory unit that just so happen to be on a drill status Saturday and Sunday. These troops are willing and able to assist their local community, but their leadership all the way up to General Dur Boyles has told them to stand down and not get involved with assisting in any capacity, beyond work to the unit’s building and motor pool that was completely destroyed. This is an extremely bad look for the guard as citizens mill around their destroyed homes, only to look across the street at a compound packed full of guardsman that are not allowed to leave their facility perimeter.
There is a process to request NG guard assistance that involves county/MEMA/Governor/TAG. However, regardless of the bureaucratic red tape that always exists in government, this is an extremely bad look for MEMA director Mcraney, Gov Reeves, Dur Boyles and other state leadership.
Donation Drop-Off Site for Storm Victims
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce have opened up a drop-off site at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds for donations for storm victims.
Bottled water, canned goods and paper products are all being accepted through Tuesday, March 28 for 9 am - 3 pm
Pet food is also needed.
"There is a process to request NG guard assistance that involves county/MEMA/Governor/TAG. However, regardless of the bureaucratic red tape that always exists in government, this is an extremely bad look for MEMA director Mcraney, Gov Reeves, Dur Boyles and other state leadership. "
Has anyone explained to Tate that inaction in a situation like this is how you can lose a cushy job like his?
Kingfish said...
I am quite sure the Congressman will do everything he can to help the area.
Right on, Mr. Fish. The same way Uncle Bennie has helped the same area (over the past 30 years) with the need for the pumps project.
By the way: Although the nursing home and hospital in Rolling Fork were somehow spared, all patients and residents have been evacuated to other locations due to no power or water.
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