In the aftermath of a powerful hurricane that swept through Mississippi, the death toll rose to at least 23 as rescue teams pressed on during the transition into the weekend. The storm carved a broad path of destruction, stretching more than 160 kilometers and leaving communities to assess the damage and begin the recovery process.
The hardest hit area was Sharkey County, where seven fatalities were confirmed. Carroll County followed with three deaths, and Monroe County accounted for two lives lost. Humpreys County reported a single fatality, according to the coroner offices referenced by ABC Channel in the United States.
Officials warned that the number of fatalities could climb as search and rescue operations continue across Sharkey and Humphreys counties, underscoring the severity of the storm and the ongoing efforts to locate those missing and to assist households in peril.
Rolling Fork, a town with about 2,500 residents, was described as nearly wiped out by the disaster, while Silver City, a smaller community with roughly 340 residents, endured substantial damage. Local authorities and emergency responders highlighted the scale of disruption, noting that the scene was among the most devastating in recent memory. A Highway Patrol agent commented that the current impact reminded him of historic storms that have reshaped the region, emphasizing the seriousness and human cost of the event. The remarks from community leaders and responders illustrate the urgent need for coordinated relief, shelter, and long-term recovery planning for the affected towns.