Trump Declares Disaster Area in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA — President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster area in south Georgia after tornadoes and other storms last weekend that killed 16 people and injured dozens of others.

The declaration orders federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in Berrien, Cook, Crisp, Dougherty, Turner and Wilcox counties.

That aid includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the storms that hit Saturday and Sunday.

"The tornadoes were vicious and powerful and strong. And they suffered greatly, so we'll be helping out the state of Georgia," Trump said earlier this week at a White House ceremony.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is continuing damage surveys in the areas impacted by the storms and says more counties and additional forms of assistance may be approved after the assessments are complete.

Residents and business owners who suffered losses can begin applying for assistance Friday by registering online or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech-impaired.

The toll-free numbers will operate from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

The state has confirmed that 14 people were killed and nearly two dozen were injured in storms in Georgia.

Tornadoes, some as strong as a powerful EF-3 that was recorded in Albany, did major property damage in the states southwestern corner.

The deadliest moment of the storms came when a powerful tornado blew through a mobile home park in Cook County, destroying homes and killing seven people.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has requested federal assistance for 16 counties that were hit:

"These storms have devastated communities and homes in South Central Georgia, and the state is making all resources available to the impacted areas," Deal said in a statement. "These storms have resulted in loss of life, numerous injuries and extensive property damage, and our thoughts and prayers are with Georgians suffering from the storm’s impact."

In all, at least 21 people throughout the Southeast were killed in the waves of storms.

Photo courtesy Federal Emergency Management Agency