Mississippi governor declares state of emergency with end of Jackson water crisis nowhere in sight
Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, saying an ongoing water crisis in Mississippi's largest city threatens "critical needs" and has no end in sight.
JACKSON, Miss. — Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Tuesday, saying a water crisis in Mississippi's largest city threatens "critical needs" and has no end in sight.
While residents are accustomed to water challenges, the current shortage of safe running water is particularly dangerous, he said.
"The is a very different situation from a boil water notice — which is also a serious situation which the residents of Jackson have become tragically numb to," Reeves said in a statement.
"Until it is fixed, it means we do not have reliable running water at scale. It means the city cannot produce enough water to reliably flush toilets, fight fire and meet other critical needs."
An SUV rests in floodwaters in northeast Jackson, Miss., on Monday. Rogelio V. Solis / APOn Tuesday night, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration in the state, freeing up federal resources to help manage the crisis.
Rating: 5