Upon realization of the intensity with which Camille had ravaged the gulf coast. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin dispatched a highlevel task force for an onthesite inspection of major categories of needs that agencies of the USDA could meet. These were: First. the needs of refugees and storm stranded residents for food. second. the need to assess damages to agricultural lands. animals. crops. and facilities. third. the need for assistance in salvaging as much downed timber as possible. to reduce insect infestations that would spread to and destroy remaining healthy stands. and the need to guard against the high risk of forest fires. and. fourth. the need for spraying areas where large accumulations of dead animals and debris could lead to the proliferation of flies and mosquitoes. and the need to fight fire ants which were spread throughout the area by the storm. In cooperation with State and local workers the most urgent requirements were defined and appropriate actions initiated within hours. Employees of the Food and Nutrition Service throughout the Mississippi area were ready even before Hurricane Camille struck. ready to move to hardhit areas and Immediately assess food requirements so food might be rushed from Jackson and surrounding points.
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refugees