During last week’s torrential rains and rapidly rising flood waters, 75 homes and 25 roads sustained damage, Pearl River County Director and Fire Services Coordinator Danny Manley said. No injuries or deaths were reported, he added.
The Pearl River reached a historical high, the EOC Director said.
Manley along with Pine Grove Fire Chief Steven Seal, Pine Grove VFD volunteer firefighters and Mississippi game wardens conducted eight rescue operations in the Walkiah Bluff area and rescued 12 residents and their pets.
First responders also righted a rescue boat that capsized, Manley said.
As of Monday, the following roads were closed:
Inside Road, North Beech Street, Walkiah Bluff Road, Morgan Seal Road, Ulman Stockstill Road, McSween Road at McCarty Island Road, McCarty Island Road at the bridge, Dan Stewart Road at McSween Road, Mars Island Road, Island Road, Dan Stewart Road (one mile west of Pine Grove Road), Wilbur Stewart Road and June Stewart Road.
However, Manley said he expects all roads will be passable today.
Monday, due to rising flood waters, the Mississippi Department of Transportation warned motorists and drivers of commercial vehicles to prepare an alternate route before traveling I-59 between the Mississippi/Louisiana state line and Pearl River, Louisiana. This alert also included I-10 in Hancock County near the Mississippi/Louisiana state line.
According to a release from MDOT, they are unsure when closures may occur so motorists are encouraged to check local media outlets, MDOT’s Facebook page and www.mdottraffic.com for the latest updates on traffic conditions.
As of press time Monday, I-59 and I-10 were still open.
Monday, Pearl River County EOC and Roads posted a message to their Facebook page urging residents who received flood damage to contact the Building and Permits office. Residents from the Poplarville area can contact 601-403-2205 and residents from the Picayune area can contact 601-749-7732 or 601-749-7731.