Warren County received a Federal Disaster Declaration May 8th, 2008 for the Mississippi River Flooding and severe storms beginning March 20, 2008. This declaration allows those affected by the flooding and storms March 20 - May 2008 in Vicksburg (and all of Warren County) to apply for Individual Assistance (IA). It is important to sign up and provide complete and accurate information. The FEMA Assistance telephone number is 1-800-621-3362.

FEMA/MEMA are setting up a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to begin taking applications for assistance starting Tuesday, 12 Noon, May 13 , 2008 in the Mobile DRC at the parking lot of the Kings Empowerment Community Center, 224 RL Chase Circle and then inside the Center beginning Wednesday, May 14, 2008, from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) required the City to adopt ordinances for the mitigation of repetitive losses due to flooding. All houses within the City that had either the energy (Entergy) or Gas disconnected must go through the Inspection Department (601-634-4528), 819 South Street to determine if services can be restored.

The City is participating in the Federal Flood Buyout, Phase I. First priority is given to homes most affected from the 2008 flooding. If you are interested, contact COV Housing, Beatrice Moore, 601-634-4522.

Many local organizations and churches are providing assistance. Please contact those agencies directly.

For additional daily recorded messages call the Temporary Emergency Flood Update Line at: 601-801-3443.

The Vicksburg District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, continues Phase II flood fighting activities in various locations. In support of local levee boards, Corps inspectors are now riding levees and inspecting critical areas 24 hours a day.

As will often occur during high water events, rumors will occasionally spread among the general public about the current situation. The Corps of Engineers works to support local levee boards, state and local governments. State and local emergency managers and levee boards are the primary source for local information. However, should anyone have any questions about what the Corps is doing they may email CEMVK-PA@USACE.ARMY.MIL or they may call 601-631-5972, 601-631-5412 or 601-631-5223. Personnel will be on hand to answer questions between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hours may be extended if needed. The Corp will respond to all questions and queries as quickly as possible.

Flood damage reduction infrastructure is working as it should. Flooding is occurring in low lying areas, between the levees and some backwater flooding is occurring in the area of the Yazoo River and behind Steele Bayou structure north of Vicksburg.