MSU aids Amory in wake of devastating storm

A devastating tornado leveled dozens of homes and businesses in the small town of Amory in Monroe County, Mississippi March 24.

In the tornado’s wake, Mississippi State University provided aid to the people of Amory.

Randall Nevins, MSU’s extension agent for Monroe County, recounted some of the damage he witnessed.

“I’ve seen bad damage in other places, but I’ve never seen damage this bad in Monroe County. We’ve had small tornadoes and funnels come through Amory before, but nothing like this,” Nevins said. "The community bank, the high school and the national guard were some of the buildings that were hit, as well as a bunch of homes that were in the way too.”

Nevins said there had been two tornado-related deaths within Monroe County and local hospitals reported that 30 people were injured.

“There was a lot of damage in the rural areas.

FEMA and the Red Cross have been trying to get the families who have been displaced situated. Some of them have been put in hotels and motels nearby, and others have been forced to temporarily move in with family or friends until they can get back to their houses — if they can get back to their houses,” Nevins said.

“Some of them will have to start all over or completely rebuild.”

Kathy Jones, the director of Student Leadership and Community Engagement, spoke about the volunteer efforts being made by the Maroon