Since three EF-2 tornadoes ripped through Vicksburg and Warren County on April 13, the Mississippi Department of Human Services has provided $132,289 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to 586 families in the county.

The information was shared by Mayor George Flaggs Jr.’s office Wednesday.

MEMA was expected to open a temporary housing assistance site at Vicksburg Mall Wednesday for those who have been forced to find alternate housing due to tornado or flood damage.

“The city of Vicksburg and Warren County Emergency Management Agency will continue working together to secure the most possible state and federal assistance for all residents affected by the recent severe weather and flooding,” Flaggs said.

Warren County Emergency Management Director and Floodplain Administrator John Elfer remains optimistic federal assistance will be made available for local residents.

“The federal declaration that was released Tuesday by President Trump did not include Vicksburg and Warren County,” Elfer said. “That declaration was in response to the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that impacted Calhoun, Chickasaw, Clay, Grenada, Lowndes, Pontotoc and Tishomingo counties from Feb. 22 through Feb. 24.

“We are still waiting on a federal declaration of the multiple tornadoes that devastated … Warren County.”

Questions on severe weather recovery and relief efforts should be directed to the Warren County Emergency Management Agency by calling 601-636-1544.