Mississippi News

Jackson water failure impacts ability of state’s largest hospital to fight fires

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2022

Jackson water failure impacts ability of state’s largest hospital to fight fires

by Kate Royals, Mississippi Today
August 30, 2022

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s ability to respond to a fire is compromised and the air conditioning system at the Jackson Medical Mall is not functioning properly as a result of the water emergency in Jackson.

A water tanker is on the way to the Jackson Medical Mall and should arrive “later this morning,” a memo sent out to UMMC employees and students on Tuesday from Dr. LouAnn Woodward, the chief executive of the hospital, said. The system should be operational by the afternoon.

Woodward noted the main UMMC campus and the Lakeland Medical Building are on a well-water system and are not being impacted by the city’s water issues.

According to an announcement released Monday, the main campus is under a fire watch until further notice as a result of “a continuous drop in city water pressure.” The announcement, which apparently did not reach some employees and students until Tuesday, stated that all faculty, staff and students shall be notified of the watch and “remain on a heighten (sic) state of awareness to any potential fire related issues during this time.”

A separate announcement encouraged patients who have appointments at an off-campus location at one of the following locations to contact the clinic to confirm their appointments:

Jackson Medical Mall
Select Specialty Hospital
Batson Kids’ Clinic
The Center for Advancement of Youth
Buildings LB and LA on Lakeland Drive

“UMMC will continue to evaluate the impact the City of Jackson water crisis is having on its facilities. The Medical Center will take a day-by-day approach to operations located at the facilities listed above,” a media release stated.

The state health department declared a public drinking water supply emergency for Jackson on Tuesday, the morning after Gov. Tate Reeves announced that the city’s treatment system had begun to fail.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Death toll from catastrophic Texas flooding passes 100

Published

4 days ago

July 8, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-08 05:12:00

SUMMARY: Catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend killed at least 104 people, including 28 children, mostly near Camp Mystic, a century-old girls’ summer camp in Kerr County. Search-and-rescue teams continue to search swollen rivers for dozens still missing; officials expect the death toll to rise as more rain threatens the saturated area. Many victims were swept from cabins by flash floods early Friday, some clinging to trees. Authorities will investigate warnings and evacuation delays, noting poor cellphone service hindered alerts. Despite warnings issued before the flood, some residents didn’t receive them. President Trump plans to visit the state.

Read the full article

The post Death toll from catastrophic Texas flooding passes 100 appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

LIVE: Officials give updates on Texas floods

Published

5 days ago

July 7, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-07 05:06:00

SUMMARY: Crews in central Texas continue searching for victims after catastrophic July Fourth weekend flooding killed over 80 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River. The floods, some of the worst in decades, struck overnight, sweeping away tents and cabins. With more rain forecast, authorities warn the death toll may rise as many remain missing. Survivors described clinging to trees or fleeing to attics. Officials face scrutiny over flood warnings and emergency response. President Trump declared Kerr County a disaster area, pledging support while criticizing FEMA’s performance.

Read the full article

The post LIVE: Officials give updates on Texas floods appeared first on www.wjtv.com

Mississippi News

Texas floods: At least 51 dead, 27 girls still missing as search efforts continue

Published

6 days ago

July 6, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-06 08:16:00

SUMMARY: A devastating flash flood struck a summer camp along Texas’ Guadalupe River, killing at least 51 people, including 15 children, with many missing, mainly from Camp Mystic. The floodwaters surged 26 feet in 45 minutes early Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. Rescue teams face challenging terrain, using helicopters, boats, and drones to search for survivors amid debris and broken trees. Authorities are scrutinized for potential warning and preparation failures. Gov. Greg Abbott declared a day of prayer, while rescue and recovery efforts continue amid fears of additional flooding. The Hill Country’s flood-prone terrain and unexpected downpour overwhelmed campers and residents, prompting widespread grief and appeals for support.

Read the full article

The post Texas floods: At least 51 dead, 27 girls still missing as search efforts continue appeared first on www.wjtv.com