Survivors of devastating tornadoes in Mississippi are grappling with the aftermath of destruction while navigating a tumultuous period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agency just went through some serious turmoil when acting administrator Cameron Hamilton was removed. This shake-up has complicated the recovery for everyone in the path of the historic climate-fueled weather.
On March 14 and 15, a storm system unleashed 18 tornadoes across Mississippi, killing seven people and damaging or destroying hundreds of homes. Montgomery and Walthall County in Mississippi faced some of the heaviest damage, including two long track tornadoes that killed four people. In response to the devastation, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves formally requested a major disaster declaration from FEMA on April 1, a move that would enable federal assistance for recovery efforts.
Mississippi lawmakers are already urging federal help. In turn, President Donald Trump has revealed his desire to destroy FEMA, labeling the agency “very bureaucratic” and “very slow.” Now the president’s expressed intent has left officials scratching their heads and worrying. Survivors are equally concerned about the long-term state of U.S. disaster response. Kristi Noem, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary overseeing FEMA, echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating, “President Trump has been very clear that he believes that the way that FEMA exists today should not continue.”
In the wake of this political backdrop, David Richardson stepped in as FEMA’s new acting administrator, vowing to implement Trump’s vision for the agency. While some support reforms aimed at empowering states to handle disasters more effectively, others question whether these changes will adequately address immediate needs during crises.
Mississippi’s request for disaster relief couldn’t come at a better time. Even a year later, survivors are still vocalizing their frustration about the slow pace of federal aid. Local resident Bobby McGinnis voiced the urgency of their situation, saying, “We need federal help, and we need it desperately, and we need it now.” Another resident, Royce McKee, highlighted the ongoing struggles, stating, “We don’t have a declaration yet. People are still hurting.”
Compounding the urgency is the fact that Mississippi lawmakers were already on the Hill pushing for quick help to Mississippi. Republican Representative Michael Guest recently urged Secretary Noem during a congressional hearing to hasten the approval process for the state’s disaster declaration. “I would ask you if you could make sure that you could do everything to expedite that request,” he requested.
A recent judicial edict in Arkansas injected new uncertainty into the mix. After an initial disaster declaration request was denied, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders successfully appealed that request, and the Federal Disaster Assistance Declaration was approved on May 13. The different answers provided by FEMA have left Mississippi officials perplexed and concerned about uniformity and efficacy in national response to disasters.
As the battle for this unusual situation in Mississippi continues to be unwrapped, their residents now interestingly await word on their disaster declaration. Local officials and community members echo sentiments of frustration with FEMA’s current operations. One resident remarked, “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,” expressing disbelief at the slow-moving process.
As FEMA focuses on reforms and redefining its role in disaster response, the immediate needs of tornado survivors should be the top priority. Today the agency’s sweeping approach is facing criticism from all sides, with stakeholders and lawmakers alike worried that the new changes will delay needed help.
