By Tim Summers

The US Department of Agriculture has declared several counties in North Mississippi as drought disaster areas, opening up financial relief to those most affected.

Counties given primary natural disaster designations include DeSoto, Panola, Tate and Tunica. Those listed as contiguous disaster counties are Coahoma, Lafayette, Marshall, Quitman, Tallahatchie and Yalobusha.

"The drought situation in much of the country is having some ill effects among Mississippi farmers, businesses and on those who rely on the Mississippi River," US Senator Thad Cochran said in a press release Wednesday. "Until this disaster abates, it is important that we carefully monitor and address the damage it is causing to crops, the ecosystem and, importantly, our economy."

Those interested in the possibility of government assistance can contact the local office of the Farm Service Agency, a derivative of the USDA, in DeSoto County at their Hernando location, at 662-429-8687.

There is a burn ban still in effect for DeSoto County, as local officials warn residents of the still present danger of fire during a drought.