Tropical Storm Arthur triggers disaster assistance in Mississippi and Louisiana

Following the impact of Tropical Storm Arthur, disaster assistance programs have been activated for residents and local governments in Mississippi and Louisiana.

In Mississippi, the Department of Employment Security announced that residents of Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance. This aid is available to individuals whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the storm. The assistance period runs from June 21, 2026, through February 6, 2027, with an application deadline of October 2. Officials estimate the storm damaged 532 homes, 17 businesses, and five farms in the region.

In Louisiana, FEMA has approved East Feliciana Parish for Public Assistance, joining Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee, St. Charles, St. Landry, and Winn parishes. This program allows state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofits, to seek reimbursement for emergency work such as debris removal and infrastructure restoration. Additionally, homeowners and renters in Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne parishes have until October 1 to apply for Individual Assistance.