Georgia Gov. Asks President for Major Disaster Declaration

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Bibb, Carroll, Crawford, Douglas, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, Truetlen, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties.

Perdue’s May 16 request will help fund emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on May 11.

Several injuries were reported and three people were killed by the severe weather on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2008. A man died in Laurens County near Dublin when his home was destroyed by a tornado, a woman was struck and killed in Duluth by a falling tree limb that was snapped by high winds and a man died after being struck when high winds toppled a tree in Winder.

The disaster declaration is requested as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency continues to work with local officials to assess and recover from the damages caused by the storms. GEMA officials estimate initial governmental response and clean up efforts will exceed $11 million.

The request is for Public Assistance with emergency protective measures, debris removal and public buildings. The request also includes individual assistance for affected households.

Approximately 2,100 homes were impacted statewide. The residents of 650 of those homes will need help with repair or replacement costs.

Source: Office of the Governor of Georgia