Wharton releases statement in wake of flooding and its aftermath | News

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton released the following statement for citizens Tuesday regarding the severe weather that swept through Memphis and the Mid-South over the past weekend:

"The severe storms and subsequent flooding that hit Memphis and Shelby County over the weekend left many residents devastated, and in some cases, homeless; lacking electricity and basic necessities; and taxed financially, physically and emotionally.  This was a brutal act of nature of a magnitude that our city has not endured in many years.

"I am of course most proud of the concerted and coordinated efforts pulled from nearly every division of the city to respond urgently to citizens' needs in a most trying time. For many of you, in the wake of personal loss and destruction, I know that simply may not be enough.  Still, I want every citizen of this great city to know that we are continuing the efforts to address those affected by the storms and the aftermath and plan to ratchet up those efforts to see that it is done timely and effectively.  I have already met with both the Memphis City Council and the city's Division Directors to ensure that all available funds are directed to the most affected areas."

"Also, we are continuing to work as part of the more comprehensive and coordinated efforts of the Emergency Maintenance Agency (EMA.) The EMA began the process of recovery for most of the city of Memphis and surrounding areas yesterday morning.  Their recovery process is necessary in order for us to request additional recovery funds from the federal government.  Due to the extent of damage throughout, the procedure might take a few days.  While their assessment is ongoing, I ask for our citizens to be as patient as possible.  We have not forgotten you and plan to draw on every viable resource in an attempt to make every citizen affected by the storm whole again."

You can follow Action News 5's ongoing coverage of the flooding and its aftermath here.