“Unfathomable Devastation”: At Least 23 Dead After Tornado Tears Through Mississippi

At least 23 people were killed and dozens injured after severe thunderstorms and a tornado struck rural Mississippi on Friday night, according to officials from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

“We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted,” MEMA tweeted. 

Morning Update as of 6:20am:
We can confirm 23 dead, dozens injured, 4 missing due to last night’s tornadoes. We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted

— msema (@MSEMA) March 25, 2023

Search-and-rescue operations are underway in the towns of Silver City and Rolling Fork. A tornado late last night caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving many residents without power and needing emergency assistance.

The damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi is BAD. People are trapped, we need help here. pic.twitter.com/rPJ4KDjwvE

— Zachary Hall (@WxZachary) March 25, 2023

Extreme damage in Rolling Fork, MS. Water tower was knocked over with bolts ripped out of the ground as well as multiple slabs. This was terrible.#mswx pic.twitter.com/HOII0cpHQG

— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_wx) March 25, 2023

“I thought I was dead.”

Rolling Fork residents recall the death and devastation just hours after the tornado’s touch-down, but also the support already rolling in to aid the small town. @16WAPTNews pic.twitter.com/d5RKafJnS3

— Bradley Davis WAPT (@DdavisBradley) March 25, 2023

@spann First glimpses of light in Rolling Fork. The devastation is unfathomable. pic.twitter.com/YezHHII9IE

— wxfollower (@wxfollower) March 25, 2023

Resident Brandy Showah told CNN: 

“I’ve never seen anything like this… This was a very great small town, and now it’s gone.”

Mississippi Governor, Tate Reeves, tweeted that search and rescue teams are active this morning. He confirmed the 23 deaths. He said: “The loss will be felt in these towns forever. Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.”