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Federal aid approved for Walthall County tornado survivors

By Brandon Raines May 26, 2025 | 4:23 PM

WALTHALL COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – After weeks of uncertainty, relief is on the way for Walthall County. Federal disaster aid was approved by President Donald Trump more than two months after the March 14-15 tornado outbreak.

Two tornadoes damaged or destroyed more than 200 homes in Walthall County.

“It was heartbreaking. You know, you saw across the road the houses that were over there that weren’t there anymore. There were just a pile,” said Opey Brumfield, resident and manager of Paradise Ranch Resort.

Walthall County received both public and individual aid. County supervisors said this will allow them to complete much-needed cleanup and recovery efforts. A cleanup and monitoring company was immediately hired to begin work.

Individual assistance will provide crucial support for residents to start rebuilding their homes. While public assistance will help repair community locations, including Paradise Ranch, which suffered heavy damage in the storms.

County supervisors hope the cleanup will be completed in three months.

Residents in the approved counties who sustained losses during the March 14-15 severe weather can now apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The disaster number is: DR-4874.