It is reported that President Joe Biden will be visiting Rolling Fork, Mississippi on Friday to assess the damage caused by a deadly tornado that destroyed around 300 homes and businesses in Rolling Fork and the nearby town of Silver City. The death toll in Mississippi currently stands at 21, with one additional death in Alabama. Biden is expected to meet with homeowners impacted by the storms, first responders, and federal and state officials. The federal government will cover the total cost of Mississippi’s emergency measures for the next 30 days, including overtime for first responders and debris cleanup, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open disaster recovery centers in storm-ravaged counties to help residents access available resources. The region has been struggling economically, with Mississippi being one of the poorest states, and the majority-Black Delta being one of the poorest parts of the state.
It’s not uncommon for presidents to face criticism from political opponents for their response to natural disasters or other emergencies. In this case, Republicans have criticized President Biden for not yet visiting the site of a toxic chemical spill in a small Ohio town, as well as for not yet deciding whether to visit Nashville in the wake of a shooting that killed six people. The recent tornadoes in Mississippi have further compounded the economic struggles faced by the state, which is one of the poorest in the nation. The Delta region, which includes Rolling Fork and Silver City, has long been one of the poorest areas of the state, with many residents living paycheck to paycheck in jobs connected to agriculture. The federal government’s response, including President Biden’s visit and FEMA assistance, will be important in helping the affected communities recover from the devastation.
