Disaster hotline & more set up for tornado victims

HAMILTON, Miss. (WCBI)- Monday MEMA got a glimpse of the devastation in Hamilton.

Dozens of home and businesses were damaged or destroyed in Saturday’s twister.

EMA Director Donna Sanderson, Monroe County Board of Supervisor and MEMA officials held a press conference Monday evening giving an update.

“We’re nowhere near through. We’ll be working all day tomorrow,” EMA Dir. Donna Sanderson said during the press conference.

The sunshine paints a clear picture of the horrific scene in Hamilton and nearby areas.

“Hamilton was hit really bad, but we’ve got debris scattered all the way up to the Itawamba and Alabama lines. I’m talking about major debris,” said Monroe County Road Manager Sonny Clay.

As neighbors help neighbors cut up trees and pick up broken memories, the real work starts. Monroe County Road manager Sonny Clay is asking residents to begin moving debris to the edge of the road.

“We do believe we’ll be able to get all the debris whether it comes off of a private land owner or if it was on our right way. It may be four to six weeks so we want people to be patient with us, but we do believe we can get it picked up,” said Clay.

With the threat of more storms, Clay says there are a few things to remember.

“Don’t cover up you’re drainage ditches. We’ve got some major rain I think in the forecast for Thursday,” said Clay.

Emergency management has also set up a disaster hotline for folks who may need assistance. The Abundant Life Pentecostal church is also open as a shelter.

48 hours after the twister, EMA director Donna Sanderson says she already sees a huge improvement.

“Monroe County, it’s come a long way today. When I went out this afternoon I was amazed at the difference it was yesterday morning to this afternoon,” said Sanderson.

The disaster hotline number is 662-319-7301. Abundance Life Pentecostal Church is located at 40192 Hamilton Road.

The Monroe County School District announced all classes will resume Tuesday.

A Hamilton Tornado relief fund is open at the Ampot Federal Union if you’d like to make
a money donation. Also, if you’re donating supplies you can drop them off at the Hamilton Baptist church.

Tuesday at 12 p.m. the Hamilton Methodist Church will be providing meals to tornado victims.