By Hubert Yates
Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief Director
Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief (MSBDR) is actively assessing and deploying teams across the state after a powerful ice storm swept through Mississippi over the weekend, leaving widespread tree damage, blocked roadways, and tens of thousands without power.
Early reports from local officials and churches indicate significant debris in several communities, with downed limbs and fallen trees making many areas difficult to access and icy roads. In response, MSBDR chainsaw and debris‑removal teams are mobilizing into the hardest‑hit zones. Currently teams in the affected areas are responding to request as conditions allow.
Additional teams from Central and South Mississippi are being staged for deployment later this week as conditions improve. These trained volunteers are working to clear hazards, open driveways, clear yards, and assist homeowners facing overwhelming storm damage. Initial response sites are being planned in Grenada, Lafayette, and Pontotoc Counties in addition to the local response team operations. These sites will serve the counties of Leflore, Grenada, Carroll, Montgomery, Panola, Lafayette, Marshall, Calhoun, Union, and Pontotoc. Additional sites will likely be added as needs are identified.
With power outages expected to last for days in some regions, plans are being made for the deployment of MSBDR feeding units. These field kitchens will supplement church kitchens in providing hot meals for residents, first responders, and vulnerable populations affected by the prolonged loss of electricity.
MSBDR leadership is coordinating closely with emergency management partners and local churches to ensure teams are deployed safely and strategically. Volunteers are encouraged to remain on standby as additional needs are identified throughout the coming days.
Homeowners in the affected areas may submit a request for assistance via the MSBDR online Assistance Request Form at https://mbcb.org/get-support/disaster-relief/disaster-relief-resources/
Individuals and churches that would like to support the MS Baptist Disaster Relief ministry in these efforts may give online at www.mbcb.org/give and designate Disaster Relief as the receiving fund. Donations may be mailed to the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, P. O. Box 530, Jackson, MS, 39205. Please designate Disaster Relief in the check memo line to ensure proper disbursement of the gift.
MSBDR asks Mississippi Baptists to continue praying for affected families, first responders, and the volunteers now serving communities recovering from the storm’s impact.
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