911 Outages Hit Mississippi, Much of Louisiana

Statewide 911 outages struck Mississippi and large parts of Louisiana on Thursday afternoon, leaving emergency lines down in most parishes and counties. Officials said the disruption is tied to damage to AT&T fiber optic lines — including reports of a cut 911 fiber line — and AT&T crews are working with local authorities to make repairs. Louisiana officials said there is no indication the outage was a cyberattack. Major population centers reported affected service, including Jackson, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, as well as counties such as Hinds, Harrison, Lincoln and St. Tammany. Agencies and city officials posted alternative direct numbers and urged residents to call local police, sheriff or district lines, use landlines where they still connect, and avoid non-emergency calls. Technicians remained on site and officials promised updates as repairs progress and service is restored.