Tunica County officials have begun inspecting flooded properties in what is the first step in a
process to allow people back into their homes.

Tunica County spokesman Larry Liddell said the water receded enough Monday for county inspectors to check some houses in the
Cutoff community to see if they are structurally sound. That will take three or four days.

Liddell said "no owners of the property can go over there are this time."

The county inspectors are looking for structural damage from the outside. If a home is structurally safe, the homeowner can schedule
a visit next week with an inspector for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Once MEMA signs off, Liddell said, "the homeowner can do whatever they choose."