Hundreds in Mississippi evacuated amid flooding as governor declares state of emergency
Hundreds in Mississippi evacuated amid flooding as governor declares state of emergency
Days of heavy rain caused rivers and dams in Mississippi and Tennessee to rise, prompting evacuations and some flood rescues.

Among the worst hit areas is Jackson, Mississippi, where the Pearl River exceeded Major Flood stage and reached 36.67 feet on 17 February, 2020, it's third highest level on record.

The state government of Mississippi moved quickly in anticipation of the flooding and declared a state of emergency on 15 February. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said:

"This is a historic, unprecedented flood. With projections showing the potential of this being the 3rd worst flood in our state's history, I've declared a state of emergency to deploy the necessary resources to take care of all Mississippians impacted...Protect yourself and your family — have a plan in place and evacuate if and when you are asked."



Emergency Management in the state estimated estimated that more than 2,400 structures would be affected by the flooding — most of them in Hinds County, which includes Jackson, but also some in neighbouring Rankin and Madison Counties.

Evacuation orders were issued in these areas and around 16 people were rescued from flooded homes. It is estimated that around 1,000 homes have suffered flood damage. Full details of damages are yet to be confirmed, but no fatalities have been reported.

Two houses were destroyed after rain triggered a landslide close the the banks of the Tennessee River in Savannah, Tennessee. No injuries were reported.

Levels of the Tennessee River remain high after the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) increased dam flows. TVA said rainfall in February was already over 400% more than normal. "We're managing large amounts of inflow and runoff from recent rainfall to bring levels along the upper mainstem back into normal winter ranges," TVA added.

Areas of Mississippi and Tennessee faced a spell of severe weather just days ago, when at least 5 people died and hundreds evacuated their homes after a powerful winter storm on 04 February, 2020.

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