Tuesday morning Governor Tate Reeves was talking with Fox News while driving the roads in the Soso community, observing the destruction caused by the gigantic tornado that ripped through Mississippi Easter Sunday.
Governor Reeves stopped at the Soso First Baptist Church, which has become central command for disaster relief efforts, to talk to members of the community.“We took a pretty heavy punch on Easter Sunday,” exclaimed Reeves. “We lost the lives of many wonderful people in our state.”
Joining Reeves were Third Congressional District Congressman Michael Guest and U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
“The Congressman, Senator and I flew over the damage,” explained Reeves. “I have seen a lot of tornadoes over the last twenty years, and what I will tell you is that the magnitude of the damage here is catastrophic. It was catastrophic because not only were the winds up in the 200 miles per hour range, it stayed on the ground for what looks like 40 or 50 miles. When you look at the number of people that have been affected and the number of people that have damage, it is heartbreaking.”
“We may have gotten knocked down, but we’re going to get back up,” continued Reeves. “We’re going to recover, and we’re going to be bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. That’s what Mississippians do; we rally around one another. We put our differences aside, and we come together for the betterment of the people of this state because we love one another. That’s what God tells us to do.”
“It’s amazing to see the number of people here today,” exclaimed Guest. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors. All the Mississippi delegation supports the governor in his emergency declaration. We will be working diligently with the administration to make sure the disaster funds flow into Mississippi. As the governor said, we will rebuild.”
Smith addressed the crowd saying, “Together we are going to rise above this. Please, stay safe, and please realize this virus is still going on among this tragedy. My prayers are with you.”
“The recovery process is state managed, locally executed, and federally supported,” stated Reeves. “That is something the president, vice-president, and I have had a conversation about recently. Not only in regards to the coronavirus but these horrific storms. We couldn’t ask for better federal partners.”
Reeves pointed at that most everyone was wearing a mask and encouraged all to remain mindful of the need to continue to practice social distancing and follow the guidelines in battling the coronavirus in the midst of helping our neighbors recover from this disaster.
“Unfortunately, the wind blowing has not stopped the virus from being out there and having the opportunity to spread,” exclaimed Reeves. “Please, stay safe, stay smart, and continue to help your neighbors. Say an extra prayer for everybody in the state.”
Reeves concluded by saying, “To all the volunteers, thank you and God Bless you for stepping up. And, God Bless Mississippi.”