TYLERTOWN, Miss. (AP) — More than two months after a devastating tornado destroyed his home, Brian Lowery continues to sift through the rubble in search of a meaningful tie clip given to him by his mother, made from the center stone of her wedding band. Despite the significant loss, Lowery remains hopeful.
Lowery considers himself fortunate, as he, his wife, and their 13-year-old son managed to reach safety before the tornado obliterated their trailer home of 15 years. However, he expresses frustration over the delay in federal assistance for his community, as Mississippi's request for federal aid is still under review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“I don’t know what you got to do or what you got to have to be able to be declared for a federal disaster area because this is pretty bad,” Lowery remarked. He emphasized the importance of prompt action, citing the delays in receiving necessary support due to bureaucratic processes. “We can’t help you because, whatever, we’re waiting on a letter; we’re waiting on somebody to sign his name. You know, all that. I’m just over it,” he added.
On April 1, Republican Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves submitted a request for a major disaster declaration to the Trump administration following the destruction caused by 18 tornadoes that struck the state on March 14 and 15, resulting in seven fatalities and extensive damage to numerous homes.
This declaration is crucial as it would grant the state access to a variety of FEMA resources, which includes financial aid for individuals affected by the disaster as well as funds for governmental entities engaged in debris removal and infrastructure repairs. Royce McKee, the emergency management director for Walthall County, where Tylertown is located, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “We don’t have a declaration yet. People are still hurting,” he said.
Walthall County experienced severe destruction due to the massive storm system, which spawned two significant tornadoes that claimed four lives within the county. McKee stated that the county has already invested approximately $700,000 in clean-up efforts but cannot afford to continue spending without federal aid.
“We need federal help, and we need it desperately, and we need it now,” insisted Bobby McGinnis, a local firefighter and resident of Tylertown. He expressed his disappointment with the lack of federal response, stating that despite the administration's pledge to prioritize American citizens in crisis situations, help has not yet arrived.
While Mississippi awaits its decision, Arkansas's request for a similar disaster declaration, made after the storms affected both states, was initially denied but ultimately approved on May 13 following an appeal by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “We are encouraged by FEMA’s decision regarding Arkansas’ application from the same storm system that hit Mississippi,” noted Scott Simmons, the director of external affairs for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Mississippi lawmakers have actively pressed federal officials for updates regarding the disaster declaration. During a congressional hearing in early May, Republican Representative Michael Guest urged U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees FEMA, to expedite the state’s request, citing its detrimental impact on local recovery efforts.
Subsequently, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith inquired about the status of federal assistance during the same session, emphasizing the urgency of the situation in light of the recent changes in FEMA’s leadership and the new direction under President Trump. Noem responded, noting that President Trump seeks significant reforms for FEMA, emphasizing that states are expected to take charge during disaster responses with federal support coming in when necessary.
