Mississippi Hoping for FEMA Aid for Tornado Victims

Earlier this week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration joined Mississippi and local officials on a tour of the Columbia area, as well as Jones and Lamar counties that were hit by tornadoes and high winds on Dec. 23.

Robert Latham Jr., executive director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, told the Hattiesburg American that information gathered by FEMA and the SBA could result in federal assistance. That assistance could include money for the repair and reconstruction of public infrastructure and buildings and grants for individual homeowners and renters.

MEMA officials said initial numbers from the Dec. 23 storms show 241 total homes and 77 businesses suffered some damage in three Mississippi counties. There were five deaths and 50 reported injuries.