Two days after an EF-2 tornado struck east Meridian and Marion, the cost of cleanup and restoration is being tallied.

In order to qualify for federal disaster funding, Mississippi will need to hit $4.5 million in damages, including direct damage to public property and debris collected at the roadside.

Because agencies can’t calculate damage to private homes, local and state representatives urged residents to bring debris to the roadside where it can be counted toward the $4.5 million threshold.

“We’re here to see if Mississippi as a whole needs a federal disaster declaration,” Lee Smithson, the executive director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), said.

MEMA will stay in the city until the city, and Mayor Percy Bland, ask the agency to leave, Smithson said, estimating it would take four to six days to learn more about federal funding.

“And we’re not doing that anytime soon,” Bland responded.

Scott Spears, the director of the Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency, estimated Monday morning that the tornado hit 180 homes and 30 businesses, numbers that include two Meridian schools and various places of worship.

Spears didn’t have a breakdown of the damage, which varies from ‘affected’ to destroyed, but said roughly half a dozen homes were likely destroyed.

“It’s just not feasible to repair after a certain point,” Spears said. “They’ll have to tear it down and rebuild.”

Eleven residents spent Saturday evening in a Red Cross shelter and by Sunday evening were able to return home or were moved to other accommodations, according to a statement from the Southeast Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Residents of the 16-unit George Reese apartments were relocated to a local hotel by the Meridian Housing Authority and Red Cross volunteers and other community partners have assisted with feeding, according to the Red Cross statement.

Smithson said MEMA and other agencies will work with charitable and faith-based organizations to facilitate long-term recovery. Based on assessments, Smithson said MEMA could distribute an alternative housing grant which purchases building materials for volunteer organizations to use in home repairs. That total could be up to $250,000.

Doug Stephens, the director of the Public Safety Training Facility and city Safety Training Director, encouraged volunteers to call the city hotline at (601) 485-1944 to find out about local opportunities to help.

Residents can also use the number to report any remaining fallen trees or request damage assessments.

Smithson warned that people using contractors should thoroughly vet the companies to avoid scams.

“Ensure that they’re both licensed and bonded,” Smithson said.

As for debris, Stephens asked that residents don’t burn any of the material and use caution while operating chainsaws and other equipment.

“There are lots of utility crews out,” Stephens said. “So we ask that you be patient and know that we are working diligently.”

Hugh Smith, the Public Works Director, said that city employees would pick up debris brought to the curb and asked that residents don’t leave debris in the roadway.

“If any streets are still blocked, let us know. We are not aware of any at this time,” Smith said. Smith also asked that residents refrain from “sightseeing” so that crews can reach trouble areas.

“We are focusing on green debris right now, such as limbs or the tops of trees, but we will come back for the larger debris that may require machinery,” Smith said.

City residents can report damage for assessments on Sunday by calling (601) 485-1944 between 9 a.m. 5 p.m. 

The Red Cross has opened a shelter for displaced residents at the Central United Methodist Church, at 1004 23rd Avenue.

The Venue, located at 820 22nd Ave. in Meridian is accepting donations for people affected by the storm. 

Wesley House, located at 1520 8th Avenue in Meridian, will be open from 1 p.m. on Sunday 15 for those needing clothing and bags of canned food. Photo identification is required.