DeSantis deploys agents, aid to Mississippi amidst tornados

By Eric Daugherty

Published Mar. 31, 2023, 3:55 p.m. ET | Updated Mar. 31, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis at a press conference in Jacksonville, Fla., to announce additional reforms to the state's legal system. (Video/Gov. Ron DeSantis' office).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Amidst the destructive aftermath of tornados ripping through parts of Mississippi and Alabama, where half of the deaths reportedly came from the Mississippi town of Rolling Fork, Gov. Ron DeSantis said agents in the state’s Division of Emergency Management are being deployed to aid recovery.

“In response to the devastating tornadoes, I’ve deployed @FLSERT to support operations in Rolling Fork and housing efforts in Jackson through EMAC,” he said. “Florida will also be donating equipment to assist in recovery efforts.”

“Florida stands with Mississippi,” the governor said.

EMAC is the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which enables U.S. states to share their resources during natural disasters.

There have been reportedly at least 26 deaths in Mississippi and Alabama, and a dozen tornados swept across the area.

21% of the residents in Rolling Fork reportedly already live in poverty.

Mississippi is a regular host of tornados, but Rolling Fork is a town with less resources and did not have strong community shelter infrastructure for natural disasters.

President Joe Biden visited the town on Friday, and announced that for the next 30 days, the federal government will cover 100% of the cost of Mississippi’s emergency measures.