Can uninsured homeowners get help after Moss Point MS tornado? What you need to know.
A federal disaster declaration for the city of Moss Point would be needed for the federal government to compensate uninsured or under-insured homeowners whose homes were damaged or destroyed in Monday’s tornado.
Malary White of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, or MEMA, said damage assessments — the first step toward any disaster declaration — will begin Tuesday in Moss Point.
“We aren’t close to a disaster declaration yet.,” White told the Sun Herald on Tuesday. “This is going to be a process.”
The state has 30 days to request a disaster declaration.
Initial reports indicate 100 homes, churches and other buildings were damaged in Moss Point, with six people injured.
If a federal disaster is declared, money would be available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the needs listed below and more:
- Temporary housing, including rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs, for those with homes left uninhabitable.
- Repair or replacement of homes that serve as the owner’s primary residence, which includes driveways or other privately owned access routes.
- Hazard mitigation to help homeowners build back more durable residences.
- Other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.
Small Business Administration loans also could be available with a disaster declaration.
Jasper and Rankin counties also reported damage from tornadoes. Gov. Tate Reeves said Sunday night on Twitter that the the tornado in Jasper County killed one person and injured 25, while WAPT-TV in Jackson reported that trees and power lines were downed in rural areas of Rankin County.
This story was originally published June 20, 2023 at 11:31 AM.
