Rolling Fork, MS (April 2, 2023) – The Salvation Army is thankful to work alongside federal, state, and local agencies to aid communities devastated by last week’s tornadoes that traveled approximately 60 to 100 miles through the Mississippi Delta. There were at least 23 fatalities and 18 missing along the path that did extensive damage to Rolling Forks and Silver City and significant damage to Blackhawk, Summerfield, Winona, Amory, and Florence, Al.
Over the last week, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster team has served bulk water, ice, and food at the South Delta Elementary School Distribution site in Rolling Fork, along with their national partner Walmart and other organizations. While serving there, The Salvation Army welcomed the support and visits by President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and First Lady Elee Reeves, and Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker.
In addition to the Rolling Fork distribution site, designated Emergency Disaster teams were stationed at central locations throughout the impacted communities. At the same time, roving units were deployed to reach remote survivors needing assistance.
To date, The Salvation Army has served over 34,000 meals and snacks, almost 35,000 drinks, and provided emotional and spiritual support to over 1,000 survivors. As relief efforts transition into longer-term recovery support, The Salvation Army will continue to assess the needs and provide ongoing assistance to survivors.
