I’ve made a few trips through the city of Durant several times over the week since an EF-2 tornado ripped through the community.
The devastation is hard to describe. One man lost his life and many homes are in need of major repair if they are salvageable at all.
I was struck by the calm of civic leaders like Mayor Tasha Davis, Police Chief John Haynes and Fire Chief Kelly Boyd. I’ve no doubt they set the tone for their community that could have all-too-easily wound up in chaos.
Area schools, community organizations and businesses, as well as some individual citizens, left their Sunday morning routines and headed to work with Durant residents on the recovery - and continued through the days to follow. Regular people labored alongside the professionals to return life in Durant to normal as quickly as possible.
Although the resilient people of Durant continue progress every day, a federal disaster declaration is hopefully forthcoming to help rebuild.
But in the meantime, many need help with tarping their damaged roofs or removing debris strewn atop their homes and yards.
If you need help, contact the Mississippi Volunteer station at the old armory, 16110 N. Jackson St. or call them at (601) 606-3937.
And if you can help, do the same.
