[Leon Harris, Cnn Anchor:] Searchers are looking for more bodies after a tornado carved its way through northeastern Mississippi over the weekend. At least five people were killed. Hundreds of homes were destroyed or damaged. Top wind speeds during the storm are estimated to be more than 150 miles per hour. Two other storm-related death are reported in Arkansas and in Kansas. For more on what's ahead for Mississippi in the aftermath of this devastating storm, we're joined now on the phone by Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove. The governor is in Washington. He's attending the National Governors Conference there. And he's actually calling us from the White House this morning. We thank you very much for your time, Mr. Governor. Governor, can you tell us now what is the latest on the recovery effort under way now?
[Gov. Ronnie Musgrove , Mississippi:] The confirmed report is that there have been five deaths, major devastation in a number of counties, a lot of homes totally destroyed. But there's a sense of optimism. And in spite of this sadness, of the tremendous loss, the pain and the suffering, the people of Mississippi are resilient. We were there within hours. The representatives from FEMA were there. Robert Latham, the head of the Mississippi Emergency Management Association and many others were there to work together to help rebuild our communities, rebuild our counties, but more importantly rebuild lives from this devastation.
[Harris:] And we did see that you were there. You left Washington to go back home to Mississippi and take a look at the damage firsthand. How does this compare with other storms that you've seen hit your state?
[Musgrove:] Well, since I've been governor, this is certainly the most devastating in terms of loss of life. It's tough when you look at a family who's looking at the foundation of a home that was once sitting there. So it is a difficult situation to address, but I want to commend the people of Mississippi and the cooperative work and effort. It's one of those things that you're judged on how you rebound because you can't do anything about the fact that it has occurred. I believe our people will respond in a great way.
[Harris:] Is there anything that could have been done to keep the damage down even lower, or maybe keep the toll on life a little bit lower on this one? Is there any chance that I mean, I've heard reports that the sirens didn't go off very early before this storm hit?
[Musgrove:] A number of the places were in rural areas outside of the downtown areas. It also happened very quickly. So there was not an opportunity for much warning. The devastation occurred in a large area, so, consequently, you know, one could always say things could be quicker. But it was a tremendous response, and people did the right thing. Many people went exactly where you're supposed to in times of storm. And as a result, many lives were saved. There were a lot less injuries than could have happened.
[Harris:] And that's...
[Musgrove:] And if you look at the devastation and the damage that was done, the first question that you ask is, how were there not more lives lost? So that, again, that is a very positive statement to the people for responding in the right way.
[Harris:] Certainly. That's good to hear. How soon before the FEMA help gets in there.
[Musgrove:] By having a representative of FEMA with me yesterday, it cut the time dramatically on processing the application. Instead of having a team to come in, his presence would give us a full report. I'm going to ask the president this morning to call those counties a federal disaster and to provide some relief. I've already declared them yesterday morning a state disaster, and so, therefore, I'm going to appeal to the president personally this morning to go ahead and declare these counties a federal disaster entitled to relief.
[Harris:] Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, we thank you very much for your time on this very busy morning for you. Good luck to you...
[Musgrove:] Thank you.
[Harris:] ... and the folks back there in Mississippi who are trying to clean up and recover.
[Daryn Kagan, Cnn Anchor:] Yes, our best wishes with them.